Ten months ahead of the start of La Vuelta 2026 in Monaco, the event’s Steering Committee has revealed the routes that will showcase the Principality during next year’s race.
Having launched the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2009, Monaco is once again gearing up to celebrate world-class cycling, becoming the only city in history to host all three Grand Tours.
“Today, we are 300 days away from the Grand Départ of the Vuelta 26, and Monaco is preparing to write a new page in its intense and brilliant sporting history,” said S.E. Mr. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State.
Javier Guillén, Director General of La Vuelta added “Monaco is synonymous with sporting excellence and organizational capacity. Some of the most prestigious events in the world take place here, with the Formula 1 Grand Prix as its crown jewel. Launching La Vuelta in this context is both an honour and a guarantee of success for all.”
The celebrations for the start of La Vuelta 2026 in Monaco will kick off on Thursday, 20th August, with the traditional team presentation ceremony. The highlight of the four-day festivities will be the individual time trial, a 9.6 kilometre course set for Saturday, 22nd August, starting from the Place du Casino.
Video by GouvMonaco on YouTube
This route, traced entirely through the streets of the Principality, will spotlight Monaco’s most iconic landmarks: the Place du Casino with its Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris, the Moulins district, the Fairmont hairpin, the Larvotto district, Port Hercule, the Port of Fontvieille, the Chapiteau de Fontvieille (which riders will actually pass through), and the Stade Louis II, before finishing on the Formula 1 Grand Prix start/finish line.
Another highlight follows on Sunday, 23rd August, with the second stage. The ceremonial start will take place at the Place du Palais Princier, before the official start from the Jardin Exotique, as the peloton departs Monaco and heads into France.
“Through this sporting event, we have the opportunity to show the world another side of our country, dedicated to promoting popular sport, in its noblest sense. Hosting La Vuelta is much more than a celebration of the sport, its athletes, and performance in a highly demanding discipline. It is a symbol of openness and influence for our country, which, I remind you, is the World Capital of Sport in 2025”
–H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
Lead image Présentation Vuelta 2026 © Charly Gallo – Direction de la Communication; all other images as credited
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