La Vuelta starts in Monaco: times and key points of a time trial on the limit

La Vuelta a España 2026 kicks off this Saturday, August 22, with an individual time trial of just 9.4 kilometers through the streets of Monaco. It will be a very technical opening, with curves, hairpins, tunnels, and continuous accelerations, where power will count as much as the ability to navigate well and regain speed.

Stage 1 of La Vuelta a España 2026: an explosive time trial through the streets of Monaco

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Start: Monaco
• Finish: Monaco
• Distance: 9.4 km
• Type of stage: individual time trial
• First rider's start time: 16:17
• Expected finish: around 19:30
• Key points: 13 important curves, several hairpins and roundabouts, three tunnels, and numerous changes of pace
• Favorites: Wout van Aert, Tadej Pogačar, Stefan Küng, Joshua Tarling, Ethan Hayter, and Iván Romeo

  

A time trial where it will be difficult to find the rhythm

The 81st edition of La Vuelta starts entirely within the Principality of Monaco, with a short route that shares part of its layout with the well-known Formula 1 street circuit.

The start will be located next to the Monte Carlo Casino, and from there, the cyclists will face a succession of curves, roundabouts, hairpins, and tunnels that will leave little room to maintain a constant power output.

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Among the most recognizable points of the route will be the Fairmont hairpin, the area around the Stade Louis II, Fontvieille, and Port Hercule. The finish will be located on the Boulevard Albert Ier, in the same area used as the main straight of the Monaco Grand Prix.

There will be no long climbs or categorized climbs, but there will be small rises and many accelerations after each curve. Therefore, in addition to pure specialists, very explosive riders with good technique will have options.

With less than ten kilometers, any mistake can be decisive. A poor line or a too-conservative brake can cost very valuable seconds in a stage where the differences should be small.

Van Aert, Pogačar, and Küng among the main favorites

The particularity of the route opens up a wide range of candidates. Wout van Aert is among the top favorites due to his combination of power, explosiveness, and technique, precisely the qualities required for this time trial. Moreover, the Belgian arrives with the declared intention of fighting for the victory and the first red jersey, although his specific preparation on the time trial bike has been affected by his elbow problems.

Tadej Pogačar will be another major reference. The Slovenian has shown that he can compete with the best specialists against the clock, and a route with so many accelerations seems to suit his characteristics particularly well. Facing him will be specialists like Stefan Küng, recent winner of the final time trial of the Tour of Poland, and Joshua Tarling, whose enormous power always makes him a candidate, although he would probably prefer a less technical route.

The list doesn't end there. Ethan Hayter can be especially dangerous in such a short and explosive effort, while Iván Romeo arrives as one of the main Spanish options. It is also wise not to discount riders like Mads Pedersen, Mattias Skjelmose, Jay Vine, Finn Fisher-Black, or Ivo Oliveira in a stage where a few seconds can separate a good part of the candidates.

Everything points to a first stage decided by minimal differences and a very open battle to become the first leader of La Vuelta a España 2026.