Vuelta to start in Monaco next year, end in Granada

The 2026 Vuelta a Espana will start with a time-trial in Monaco and finish in Granada, after organisers on Wednesday unveiled what they say will be one of the most difficult routes in the race's history.

Four medium-mountain stages and six mountain stages have been scheduled for a total elevation gain of 58 156 metres, far more than both next year's Tour de France or Giro d'Italia.

The second stage will also start from Monaco before heading into France and Andorra and then into Spain.

😍 Here's the official route of #LaVuelta26! 😍

😍 ¡El mapa de #LaVuelta26! 😍

😍 Le parcours de #LaVuelta26 ! 😍 pic.twitter.com/WxM8a5AbMd — La Vuelta (@lavuelta) December 17, 2025

"This will be one of the most demanding editions in history," said race director Javier Guillen, who is hoping the route will attract a strong field.

The queen stage is scheduled for the penultimate day, with a gruelling climb to reach the summit of the Collado del Aguacil after an 8.3-km ascent.

There will be few opportunities for the sprinters, although time-trial specialists will be able to target the opening stage and the 18th stage to Jerez de la Frontera.

Last year's Vuelta, won by two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vinegegaard, was heavily affected by pro-Palestinian protests, with some stages shortened.