Over that distance the riders tackle around 170 metres of elevation gain, so the route is not completely flat, although it features rolling terrain rather than real climbs.
The start is located near the Monte Carlo Casino, while the finish is at Port Hercule. In between, the riders skirt the edges of the tax haven on the Mediterranean, first heading north before turning south again. The course is fairly twisty, which adds an extra dimension.
A nice touch for riders who are fans of Formula 1: the time trial route partly overlaps with the circuit of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 1st stage 2026 Vuelta a España.
Vuelta a España 2026 stage 1: route, profile, videos
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