Vuelta 2026 Route stage 1: Monaco - Monaco

Saturday 22 August – The Tour of Spain opens with an individual time trial through the streets of Monaco. The course is 9.4 kilometres long.

Last updated: 22 August 2026 – link to the race results added

Over that distance, the riders have to tackle no more than 59 metres of elevation gain, so yes, you can safely call it flat.

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.

The intermediate time check comes after 5.6 kilometres.

Fancy riding, or walking, the route yourself? Download GPX 1st stage.

Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2026 Vuelta a España.