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Vuelta a España 2026 to Launch with Monaco Grand Prix Circuit Time Trial

The Vuelta a España will kick off its 2026 edition with a spectacular 9.6-kilometre individual time trial through the streets of Monaco, beginning and ending on the famous Monaco Grand Prix start-finish line.

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The opening stage on Saturday, 22 August, will showcase the Principality’s most recognised landmarks and bring the Grand Tour into one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.

The route for the season’s first stage will send riders from the heart of Monaco at Casino Square, through the Port of Fontvieille, past the Chapiteau du Cirque and the Louis II stadium, before finishing on the Formula 1 circuit. The following day, Sunday 23 August, the second stage will also start in Monaco with a ceremonial departure from the Place du Palais. After a formal send-off, the peloton will leave the city via the Jardin Exotique and head toward France for the race’s first road stage.

Organisers say the decision to open the Vuelta in Monaco blends sporting spectacle with cultural and visual appeal, offering fans and viewers an immediate, world-class backdrop for the fight for early edges in the general classification. A fast, technical time trial around the Grand Prix circuit is expected to favour powerful, aerodynamic riders, while Monaco’s narrow streets and elevation changes will test each contender’s pacing and bike-handling skills.

“Hosting the Vuelta is more than a celebration of sport and performance,” said Prince Albert II of Monaco. “It is a symbol of openness and global projection. We are proud to welcome the peloton and millions of fans who will witness our streets transformed by this great race.” Race director Javier Guillén added, “Starting in Monaco is both an honour and a guarantee of success. The setting raises the profile of the Vuelta and offers riders and fans an unforgettable start to the three-week battle.”

Local officials and race planners have worked closely to ensure the route highlights Monaco’s unique urban landscape while meeting international race safety standards. The time trial’s start and finish on the Grand Prix grid will create dramatic television visuals and a seamless stage experience for spectators on site and audiences worldwide. Event organisers expect strong international media coverage and a significant boost to local hospitality and tourism as visitors combine racing with Monaco’s renowned cultural attractions.

The Vuelta a España’s decision to open in Monaco continues a recent trend of Grand Tours seeking high-profile, early-stage host cities that offer cinematic settings and logistical infrastructure for large-scale live broadcasts. With the Principality’s compact geography and world-class venues, organisers anticipate an energetic launch that will set the tone for the three-week race ahead.

 
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