Vuelta a España 2026 Unveils Historic Full Stage in Andorra

La Vuelta a España 2026 will feature a historic stage entirely within Andorra for the first time, with stage four on 25 August running 104.9km from Andorra la Vella back to the capital and totalling 3,531m of positive elevation gain.

Organisers have called the route short but intensely tough, positioning it as the race's first major mountain day and an early test for general classification contenders. Riders will head out along the CG-2 to Pas de la Casa, ascending the special-category Port d'Envalira at 2,409m. The route then descends via El Tarter and Encamp to the first-category Coll de Beixalís towards Ordino, followed by the first-category Coll d'Ordino in Canillo. It continues to Engolasters for the Port de la Comella—rated variably as second- or third-category—before the final descent into Andorra la Vella. The parcours crosses parishes including Encamp, Ordino and Canillo.

This marks the first Vuelta stage to start and finish in Andorra la Vella. The full 81st edition route, spanning 21 stages and 3,275km across four countries with a Mediterranean emphasis, was revealed on Wednesday at Monaco's Salle des Étoiles in Monte-Carlo. It opens on 22 August with a 9.6km individual time trial through landmarks like Place du Casino, Fontvieille, Chapiteau du Cirque, Stade Louis II and the Formula 1 finish line. Stage two goes from Monaco to Manosque, stage three from Gruissan to Font-Romeu, and stage five from Falset to Roquetes in Spain. The race ends in Granada on 13 September, the eighth different Spanish finale.

Route designer Fernando Escartín, a former professional cyclist, described its demands: "Andorra will set the tone early with a short but very tough stage before climbs like Valdelinares, Aitana, Calar Alto, La Pandera, Peñas Blancas and the new Collada de l'Alguacil." Race director Javier Guillén emphasised its "marked Mediterranean character," blending historic towns, iconic ascents and novel challenges.

Andorra Turisme anticipates enhanced media exposure and economic gains from the prolonged stay of more than 3,000 people and 900 vehicles arriving a day early, benefiting hotels, shops and restaurants. The Principat's 25th Vuelta appearance follows the 28 August 2025 stage won by local resident Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates-XRG at Pla de la Caubella via a solo 20km descent from Comella. It delivers on Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres's August pledge for a full stage in Andorra.