Vuelta 2026: Favourites

fotobureau Cor VosFreddy Maertens won thirteen stages in the 1977 Vuelta a España. With three wins in five stages, Tadej Pogacar was well on his way to challenging that record, but he was forced to abandon in stage 8 after a crash. What can we expect over the coming weeks? So far, Matthew Brennan has claimed two stage wins, while Andreas Leknessund, Bryan Coquard, Enric Mas and Bastien Tronchon have all tasted stage success once.

Read about themain contenders to win La Vuelta.

Another interesting read: records & winners Tour of Spain.

Use the links in the table below to discover the favourites for each stage win.

Vuelta a España 2026 - favourites

For fast men #3

The stage from Cartagena to Lorca is one of five stages in this year’s Vuelta that is almost certain to end in a bunch sprint. Who will take the spoils?

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Gruelling journey to Calar Alto observatory

The route to the Observatorio Astronómico de Calar Alto is a relentless test of climbing, with the real punishment saved for the finale. Two brutal climbs in the final 44 kilometres feature sections well into double digits. This is one for the climbers of the highest calibre.

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GC contenders after Pogacar’s withdrawal

Tadej Pogacar’s withdrawal has turned the Vuelta a España on its head. The red jersey, once seemingly out of reach, is now genuinely up for grabs. Who are the contenders for overall victory?

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Resilient sprinters or attackers

It is never completely flat in the 10th stage, but nor does it ever get particularly steep. Despite the route featuring almost 3,000 metres of elevation gain, the presence of riders such as Matthew Brennan, Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen in the peloton means a sprint finish in Elche de la Sierra looks highly likely. Although Van Aert and Pedersen could also win from the breakaway...

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Tough going in Sierra Nevada

The final mountain stage is likely to be the toughest of the entire Vuelta. The riders face 4,890 metres of elevation gain, most of it packed into the final 100 kilometres. The finishing climb is a brutal test, with gradients in double digits throughout the final 6 kilometres. Unless the battle for overall victory has already been settled, this is a dream finale for the fight for the Vuelta title.

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