Vuelta 2026 Route stage 7: Vall d'Alba - Aramón Valdelinares

Friday 28 August - At 149.8 kilometres, stage 7 of La Vuelta takes the riders from Vall d’Alba to the ski station of Valdelinares. Following a rolling approach, the final 50 kilometres are virtually all uphill, with a total of around 3,685 metres of climbing on the menu.

Last updated: 28 August 2027 – stage results link added

Race type: mountain stage
Likely winner: climbers
Weather forecast: sunny, hardly any wind

The riders clip in at Vall d’Alba, around 100 kilometres north of Valencia and not far from the coast. Flat to rolling roads take them inland until they hit the Puerto de Remolcador, a 12.4-kilometre climb at 4.3%. Straight after the descent, the Alto de Zucaina adds another 5.5 kilometres at 5%.

The race continues in much the same vein, rolling westwards over undulating terrain, before an interesting finale reluctantly starts to take shape in the last 50 kilometres. Not only is the Alto Fuente de Rubielos - 6 kilometres at 6.3% - a touch tougher than the two previous hills, it also marks the start of a section that – apart from a few flat stretches and short descents – climbs almost continuously.

With 20 kilometres to go, the tension rises when the riders tackle the Puerto de San Rafael. The first 3.4 kilometres go up at 6.6%, before the gradient eases off, only to kick up again later on. Overall, the San Rafael measures 11.1 kilometres at 4.3%, with the final 1.7 kilometres ramping up to 7%.

After a short descent, the final climb to Valdelinares ski resort awaits, perched at 1,963 metres. It is a 9.8-kilometre ascent averaging 5.9%, with ramps of up to 13%, while the gradient eases off towards the summit.

La Vuelta finished twice before in Valdelinares. Roberto Heras turned out on top in 2005, and Winner Anacona in 2014.

The first three riders across the line receive 10, 6 and 4 seconds of time bonuses, while 6, 4 and 2 seconds are available at the foot of the Puerto de San Rafael.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 7th stage 2026 Vuelta a España.

Another interesting read: results 7th stage 2026 Vuelta a España.