Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 20: Tough going in Sierra Nevada

fotobureau Cor VosThe 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. (Slideshow route/profile)

First published on 30 August 2026

There is little to report in the opening phase. At 7.7 kilometres at 3.7%, the Puerto de Blancares then serves up an easygoing opening climb, and it is only after the riders pass through Granada, with more than 80 kilometres in their legs, that the climbing bacchanal gets under way.

First up, the riders tackle the Alto de El Purche twice, an 8.2-kilometre climb averaging 8.5%, with several sections in double digits. After the double ascent, they descend to a reservoir and then follow it uphill through rolling terrain until the Puerto de El Duque comes into view. This climb is 7.4 kilometres long at 8.3%, with a maximum gradient of 20%.

The road drops back down to the reservoir, and the riders head uphill again on the same road as before. This time, however, they head straight into the Sierra Nevada. The Collado del Alguacil has never featured in the Vuelta before, and it is unlikely to be a climb the riders will soon forget. Over 8.3 kilometres, the road rises at an average gradient of 9.8%.

In short, the final mountain stage of La Vuelta is ideal for lovers of steep gradients.

How the race unfolds depends on the standings, so we will keep this article updated during La Vuelta.

Favourites 20th stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Felix Gall, Oscar Onley, Primoz Roglic
** Richard Carapaz, Carlos Rodriguez, Jay Vine, Enric Mas
* Tobias Halland Johannessen, Mattias Skjelmose, Santiago Buitrago

Another interesting read: route 20th stage 2026 Vuelta.