La Vuelta 2026: Formula 1 twists and turns await in Monaco as organisers hope for Pogacar home start

The announcement was made during a press conference at One Monte-Carlo, attended by Prince Albert II, State Minister Christophe Mirmand, race director Javier Guillén and former rider Nicolas Roche, who serves as ambassador for the event. 

“Monaco gives us the chance to fulfil a dream and make history,” said Guillén during the press conference, as quoted by Marca. “Starting from Piedmont this year and from Monaco next year helps reinforce La Vuelta’s position as one of the world’s great sporting events. Cycling connects territories and unites two countries with a rich shared history through the bicycle.”

The opening stage will be a 9.6-kilometre individual time trial winding entirely through the streets of Monaco, starting at the Casino and finishing on the famous straight that hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix. 

Nicolas Roche described the route as “beautiful and technical at the same time. We’ll pass the stadium, parts of the F1 circuit, climb and descend twice, then finish on a flat section where power will matter. It’s short, but it can create gaps.” He added that organisers wanted “a proper stage, not just a prologue, fully contained within Monaco despite security challenges.”

The second stage will depart from the Palace Square, cross into France after the official start at the Jardin Exotique, and mark the beginning of a few days of racing outside Spain. Guillén confirmed that “around four stages will take place beyond the Spanish border to minimise transfers.”

For Prince Albert, hosting the Salida is both an honour and a responsibility. “We’ll become the only city to have hosted the start of all three Grand Tours. That’s a source of great pride.”

Monaco has long-standing ties with elite sport, from the Formula 1 Grand Prix to the Monte Carlo Rally and international athletics events, and is home to around 60 professional cyclists, including Tadej Pogačar. 

“It’s basically a home start for him and many others,” said Roche. “He’s talked about returning to La Vuelta, and for Spanish fans it would be amazing to see him there.” Guillén added, “We couldn’t make it any easier for him. The only thing left for Pogačar is to win La Vuelta and complete the trilogy, reaffirming his legend.”

Guillén also reflected on the challenges of the 2025 edition, marked by logistical changes and controversy surrounding the participation of Israel–Premier Tech. 

“It was a very difficult Vuelta to carry out. Three stages had to be modified and the final stage in Madrid couldn’t be completed. Still, we did what had to be done: deliver every stage and ensure the race went on. Now we’re fully motivated to make 2026 a great edition that is far from predictable.”