Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 11: For fast men #3

fotobureau Cor VosThe 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? (Slideshow route/profile)

Published: 20 August 2026
Updated: 2 September - today's weather forecast

In theory, a 9.5-kilometre climb averaging 4.2% is the only obstacle that could derail the sprinters' hopes. But that average gradient already tells you that the Alto de Aledo is hardly an Angliru, and the climb gets steadily gentler as the summit approaches.

Once over the top, there are still 29.5 kilometres to go. Plenty of time, then, to recover from any damage that may have been done. Or will the peloton underestimate the day's breakaway?

Should it come down to a sprint, it certainly won't be a straightforward affair, with kilometres of straight road leading into the finish. No, just a few hundred metres from the line, the riders will almost come to a standstill as they take a sharp corner onto the finishing straight. Positioning will be crucial.

Favourites 11th stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Matthew Brennan, Jordi Meeus
** Wout van Aert, Alberto Dainese, Bryan Coquard
* Vincenzo Albanese, Alessandro Romele, Orluis Aular, Jordan Labrosse

Another interesting read: route 11th stage 2026 Vuelta.

Weather forecast:
Today, the riders continue their journey south, and the thermometer rises accordingly. Temperatures will reach 35°C at the finish. With otherwise calm conditions across southern Spain, the weather isn't expected to impact the race.

Start: 31°C, sunny, north-easterly wind (14 km/h)
Finish: 35°C, sunny, easterly wind (13 km/h)

For the current weather conditions along the route, see the interactive weather map in the slideshow below this article.