The Vuelta a Espana is set to commence, with the peloton gathering in Monaco for the start of this prestigious cycling event. This year, the excitement intensifies as defending champion Jonas Vingegaard will not participate after his remarkable victory at the Giro d’Italia this spring, followed by a crash that resulted in a broken collarbone during the Tour de France last month.

In his absence, Tadej Pogacar takes center stage, returning to the Vuelta for the first time in seven years. In 2019, he made quite an impression by finishing third, winning three stages, and securing the best young rider’s classification. Pogacar, a two-time world champion, is the favorite to dominate once again, especially following his record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory this summer. His team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, boasts a strong lineup, including Joao Almeida and Jay Vine, who are expected to support him as super-domestiques.

Additional storylines include Matthew Brennan, a promising British cyclist, making his debut in a grand tour, while the competition for the points jersey is anticipated to be fierce between Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen.

Key Details:

• Race Duration: 22 August to 13 September 2026
• Stages: 21 stages plus two rest days
• Start Location: Monaco
• Finish Location: Granada

Viewing Options:

• UK Viewers: Watch on TNT Sports and streaming service HBO Max
• Highlights: Free-to-air highlights available on DMAX.