Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the official presentation ceremony for the 2026 Vuelta a España cycling race on Tuesday, highlighting the principality's role as the host of the event's Grand Départ in August 2026.
The ceremony, held in Monaco, unveiled the outlines of the race route and underscored the close collaboration between the principality and the organizers ahead of the Grand Départ, scheduled for Monaco.
In attendance alongside Prince Albert II were several notable figures, including H.E.M. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State; M. Javier Guillén, Director of La Vuelta; M. Stéphane Valeri, President-Delegate of the Sea Bathing Society; M. Jean-Étienne Amaury, President of Amaury Sport Organisation; and Sir Gary Verity, General Coordinator of the Grand Départ.
The event allowed organizers to reveal key details of the 2026 route and emphasize Monaco's commitment to the race.
In his speech, Prince Albert II, the Sovereign Prince, recalled Monaco's deep attachment to sport, and more especially to cycling, demanding discipline and bearing strong values. He stressed the essential role of sport in educating younger generations, as well as its importance in promoting respect, fair play and inclusion.
The presentation marked another milestone for Monaco, which will become the only city to have hosted the Grand Départ of all three major cycling Grand Tours.
Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Prince's Palace