Photo Credits: Direction de la Communication - Manuel VITALI
The Principality of Monaco conducted a reconnaissance of the 9.6-kilometer individual time trial route for La Vuelta 2026, following the official unveiling of the race’s initial stages. The event drew a distinguished group including H.S.H. Prince Albert II, La Vuelta’s General Director Javier Guillén, and Sir Gary Verity. Also in attendance were Ambassador Nicolas Roche, professional cyclist Hugo Houle, Matteo Trentin, Steven Kruijswijk, and Nicolas Vinokourov, who together inspected the meticulously designed course.
The route, seamlessly integrated into Monaco’s scenic landscape, stretches from Place du Casino to the start/finish line near the Grand Prix de Formule 1, passing through the Quartier des Moulins, the Fairmont hairpin, the Quartier du Larvotto, Port Hercule, the Port de Fontvieille, the Chapiteau du Cirque, and Stade Louis II. This preparatory ride underscores the principality’s readiness to host the race, scheduled for August 20-23, 2026, and highlights its storied history as the only city-state to have launched all three Grand Tours, following the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009.
Photo Credits: Direction de la Communication - Manuel VITALI
As Monaco gears up for this major sporting event, the reconnaissance serves as a critical step in ensuring the course meets the demands of competition, blending the principality’s iconic landmarks with the intensity of professional cycling.