Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 18: For pure ITT specialists

fotobureau Cor VosAfter the short time trial on the opening day, the time trial specialists get another chance to showcase their skills in stage 18. The course is flat and, at 32.1 kilometres, much longer than that of stage 1. (Slideshow route/profile)

First published on 28 August 2026

Bike-handling skills are not essential for winning the time trial from El Puerto de Santa María to Jerez de la Frontera. The course is perfect for the power riders: flat, with only a few sections where the pace drops. But each time, they can quickly get back up to speed and power along in the big ring.

Favourites 18th stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Iván Romeo, Ethan Hayter, Wout van Aert
** Primoz Roglic, Jay Vine, Stefan Küng, Bruno Armirail
* Lennard Kämna, Tadej Pogacar, Ivo Oliveira, Callum Thornley

Another interesting read: route 18th stage 2026 Vuelta.