Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 1: Who'll blast to the first red jersey?

fotobureau Cor VosTime trial specialists have a golden opportunity to take the Vuelta’s first leader’s jersey. The Monaco course is just 9.4 kilometres long and almost completely flat. It offers a fine mix of technical sections and stretches where the riders can really build up speed. (Slideshow route/profile)

First published on 16 August 2026 - last updated 22 August: weather conditions added

The riders set off in Monte Carlo, on the square in front of the casino. They head north towards the principality’s border for 1.2 kilometres before turning around and retracing their steps. After a twisty section — including the hairpin from the Grand Prix — they head north once again on a parallel road. They then race along the waterfront towards the harbour.

From Port Hercule, the route heads towards Port de Fontvieille, with the riders skimming past Port de Cap d’Ail before diving into the Túnel Rocher Palais. As soon as they emerge from the tunnel, the finish line awaits on Boulevard Albert I, right next to Port Hercule.

The Monaco course offers a fine mix of technical sections and stretches where the riders can really build up speed. What do you think, Ethan — fancy a red jersey?

Favourites 1st stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Wout van Aert, Ethan Hayter, Joshua Tarling
** Iván Romeo, Primoz Roglic, Stefan Küng, Mads Pedersen
* Jay Vine, João Almeida, Ivo Oliveira, Tadej Pogacar

Another interesting read: route 1st stage 2026 Vuelta.

Weather conditions:
It is stable summer weather in Monaco. All the riders will race in more or less the same conditions, although the light wind will shift slightly more towards the east from 17:00 onwards.

Start: 26°C, sunny, south-easterly wind (9 km/h)
Finish: 26°C, sunny, easterly wind (9 km/h)