Vuelta 2026 Favourites stage 9: Reset for the GC contenders

fotobureau Cor VosStage 9 is the toughest on paper, boasting more climbing than any other stage in the Vuelta. With Tadej Pogacar out of the race, the dynamics of the Vuelta have changed dramatically. Will we see a breakaway day, or will the GC contenders go full gas from the outset? And, who will take the initiative now? (Slideshow route/profile)

Published: 18 August 2026
Last updated: 29 August - today's weather conditions

On paper, it may be the toughest stage, but frankly, the 20th stage looks even more brutal. The climbs are much steeper and packed more closely together towards the finale. Not to say that stage 9 is a walk in the park. Far from it. This is still a seriously tough day in the saddle.

While the toughest climbs on stage 20 come towards the end, stage 9 spreads its challenges throughout the route. It is uphill virtually all day, with the Puerto de Tárbena (7.2 kilometres at 5.4%), Coll de Rates (1.5 kilometres at 6.2%), Puerto de El Miserat (5.2 kilometres at 10%!), Port de Tollos (4 kilometres at 5.7%), Port de Tudons (7 kilometres at 5.3%) and Port de Benifallim (4.8 kilometres at 5.8%) standing out.

After descending the Port de Benifallim, the riders climb the Port de Tudons once again, this time from the other side. With just under 7 kilometres to go, they reach the top of the Tudons, but instead of descending the way they came up earlier, the riders turn right and continue on the Alto de Aitana. This is also the toughest part of the final climb, with the gradient averaging a hefty 8% all the way to the summit.

Measured from the foot of the climb, the final ascent is 22 kilometres long and averages 5.8%.

With Pogacar out of the race, it will be interesting to see how the other GC contenders respond. So far, the mountain stages have been controlled by the Slovenian’s team, but who will take up the challenge now? Gall’s Decathlon CMA CGM Team has been the most active team so far. We expect the French outfit to make its presence felt straight away, in the hope that the Austrian can finish the job.

And why not? Gall finished second overall behind Vingegaard at the Giro, and was also the only rider who could occasionally follow the Dane. Just as he initially managed to follow Pogačar in the first mountain stage of the Vuelta, in Andorra. He is clearly not afraid to test his limits. So why not take the initiative as well?

Riders who are already well down in the GC will see their chance too. The new dynamic could well leave the teams of the new overall contenders paralysed, so a furious battle to make the breakaway in on the cards. After all, one of the escapees could end up winning the Vuelta stage with the most elevation gain...

Favourites 9th stage 2026 Vuelta a España

*** Felix Gall, Enric Mas, Primoz Roglic, Jay Vine, Sepp Kuss
** Santiago Buitrago, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Mikel Landa, Jarno Widar
* Richard Carapaz, Carlos Rodriguez, Valentin Paret-Peintre, Raul García Pierna

Another interesting read: route 9th stage 2026 Vuelta.

Weather forecast:
The Vuelta stage with the most elevation gain will be raced in calm conditions, with little chance of the weather affecting the race.

Start: 24°C, sunny, southerly wind (11 km/h)
Finish: 25°C, sunny, southerly wind (13 km/h)