Volta a Catalunya 2026 Route stage 2: Figueres - Banyoles

Tuesday, 24 March – In stage 2 of the Volta a Catalunya, the riders cover just over 2,100 metres of climbing across 167.4 kilometres. The climbs are never particularly tough, but the route is rarely flat. The road mainly trends downhill in the final 25 kilometres, before the final 500 metres rise slightly to the line.

Published on 16 March 2026
Last updated: 19 March 2026 – new route and profile maps added

The relationship between the Volta a Catalunya and Figueres dates back many years. In 1923, José Pelletier won the 3rd stage of the 5th edition in the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. However, the love affair had cooled considerably in recent decades until the race finally paid the town another visit last year. Stage 2 finished in Figueres, with Ethan Vernon powering to victory ahead of Matthew Brennan and Kaden Groves. It was the first finish there since 1968, when Eddy Merckx’s domestique Roger Swerts celebrated victory.

Last year the riders arrived from Banyoles, which now serves as the finishing town. Whether it will again be a chance for the sprinters remains to be seen, as the route is far from flat. At the same time, the climbs are not particularly difficult either, so it could still turn into a fast finishers bonanza.

In the past, the town has hosted several sprint finishes. In the 2013 Volta a Catalunya Gianni Meersman was the fastest in Banyoles, in 2010 Mark Cavendish, and in 2008 Thor Hushovd.

The first three riders across the line gain 10, 6 and 4 bonus seconds, while the intermediate sprints offer 3, 2 and 1 seconds.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 2nd stage 2026 Volta a Catalunya.

Stage 2 of the Volta a Catalunya starts at 12:55 uur and the race is expected to finish around 17:00 - both are local times (CET). See scheduled times in the slideshow below this article for details.