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The Vuelta a España 2026 begins this Saturday, August 22, with an individual time trial of 9.4 kilometers through the streets of Monaco. The first start is scheduled for 16:17 and the arrival of the last rider is expected around 19:30, according to the official itinerary of the organization.
The stage can be followed for free on television. Teledeporte and RTVE Play will begin their broadcast at 16:05, while La 2 will connect starting at 16:15, according to the schedules announced by RTVE.
The time trial will serve to award the first red jersey and establish the first differences among the contenders for the general classification.
Schedule of the stage of La Vuelta today
These are the main schedules of the first stage:
* Start of the broadcast on Teledeporte: 16:05
* Start of the broadcast on RTVE Play: 16:05
* Start of the broadcast on La 2: 16:15
* Departure of the first rider: 16:17
* Expected arrival of the last rider: 19:30
RTVE Play will allow following the stage for free via the internet on mobile phones, computers, tablets, and compatible televisions.
The individual start order can be updated until the hours before the race. To know when each cyclist participates, it is advisable to consult the official Race Center of La Vuelta.
This is the time trial of Monaco
The stage begins at the Casino Square of Monte Carlo and passes through some of the most recognizable places in the Principality. The route goes through Boulevard des Moulins, the Larvotto area, the Louis II stadium, and the port surroundings.
The riders will face tight turns, changes of direction, and technically demanding sections. Part of the itinerary coincides with iconic places of the Formula 1 urban circuit, such as the Loews corner, the Louis II tunnel, and the Pool area.
The finish line will be located on Boulevard Albert I, the same area where the Monaco Grand Prix ends each year. The distance, of only 9.4 kilometers, will favor explosive specialists capable of combining power, acceleration, and technical skill.
An error in a turn or a poor choice of pace can have more consequences than in a long time trial, because there will be fewer kilometers available to recover lost time.
Monaco makes history with the three grand tours
The start will allow Monaco to become the first city that has hosted the beginning of an inaugural stage of the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, and La Vuelta.
The Spanish round will be held from August 22 to September 13. It will have 21 stages and a total distance of 3,275 kilometers: six mountain days, four medium mountain, four flat, five undulating, and two individual time trials.
The second stage will take place on Sunday between Monaco and Manosque, with 214.3 kilometers and an undulating profile. The race will finish on September 13 in Granada.