Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 12: Gruelling journey to Calar Alto observatory

fotobureau Cor VosThe 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. (Slideshow route/profile)

First published on 20 August 2026
Last updated: 3 September - today's weather conditions

Over the first 70 kilometres, the riders gradually gain altitude before descending towards what the 12th stage is all about. Two climbs in succession, the Alto de Velefique and Calar Alto, make up a one-two punch that begins 43.4 kilometres from the finish.

First up is the Alto de Velefique. It is a 13.1-kilometre slog averaging 7.2%, with the first 5 kilometres averaging 9%. After the summit, the riders descend for 13.4 kilometres before reaching the final climb: 16.9 kilometres at 5.6%. On paper, that may not sound particularly tough, but in reality it certainly is.

As on the Alto de Velefique, the first 5 kilometres of Calar Alto are also the toughest. The average gradient in this section is a punishing 9.6%. It gets considerably easier after that, although the 3 kilometres from the summit ramps up again to 9.5%.

Favourites 12th stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Enric Mas, Felix Gall, Oscar Onley
** Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz, Sepp Kuss, Jay Vine
* Santiago Buitrago, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Jarno Widar

Another interesting read: route 12th stage 2026 Vuelta.

Weather forecast:
It is the kind of weather you hope for on an important day in the high mountains. Today's stage to Calar Alto takes place in calm late-summer conditions. It will be clear and not too hot, allowing the riders to put all their energy into the race.

Start: 28°C, sunny, south-easterly wind (12 km/h)
Finish: 21°C, sunny, north-westerly wind (5 km/h)