La Vuelta 2026, the Tour of Spain
David Chelly, January 11, 2026
One of the three Grand Tours
La Vuelta a España is, along with the Tour de France and the Giro, one of cycling's three Grand Tours. Created in 1935, it is held every year over three weeks, between late August and mid-September, with a route designed to mix flat stages, time trials, rugged terrain and major mountain passes.
Dates and format of the 2026 edition
In 2026, the race runs from August 22 to September 13. The event has 21 stages and covers a total of 3,275 kilometers, making it a complete, demanding event that leans heavily toward climbers, as is often the case with the Vuelta.
Where does the 2026 Vuelta start and where does it finish?
The Grand Départ takes place in Monaco, in a prestigious setting, before the race moves on to the Iberian Peninsula. The final finish is set for Granada, an iconic city in Andalusia, with a conclusion billed as spectacular and mountain-focused.
How many stages are there in the 2026 Vuelta?
The 2026 Vuelta features 21 stages, in line with the standard for modern Grand Tours. This format creates a particular dynamic, with a first week that quickly puts the favorites under pressure, followed by rising intensity through to the major decisive stages, generally concentrated in the second half of the race.
Jerseys and classifications
The leader of the general classification wears the red jersey, the benchmark since 2010. The Vuelta also rewards sprinters' consistency with the green points classification jersey, the best climbers with the white-and-blue polka-dot mountains classification jersey, and the best young rider with the white jersey.
Who has won the Vuelta the most times?
The record for general classification wins stands at four victories, a total shared by Roberto Heras and Primož Roglič. Behind them, Alberto Contador and Tony Rominger each have three wins, placing them among the event's historic benchmarks.