2026 La Vuelta a España
The opening eight stages of the 2026 La Vuelta a España delivered time-trial drama, sprint battles, mountain attacks and major changes in the overall classification. From Tadej Pogačar’s early dominance to Matthew Brennan’s breakthrough sprint victories and the dramatic events surrounding Pogačar’s withdrawal, the first week produced plenty of memorable racing. Watch the extended highlights for each stage below to see the key attacks, decisive moments and exciting finishes from the opening week of the Spanish Grand Tour.
Stage 1: Pogačar Takes Opening Time Trial in Monaco
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) opened the 2026 Vuelta with a thrilling victory in the 9.4-kilometer individual time trial around Monaco. The Slovenian edged Ethan Hayter by just fractions of a second to claim both the stage win and the first red jersey of the race. The result gave Pogačar an immediate advantage in the overall classification and a strong start to his Vuelta campaign.
Stage 2: Matthew Brennan Wins in Manosque
Matthew Brennan (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) announced himself on the Grand Tour stage with a powerful sprint victory in Manosque. The 21-year-old British rider handled the demanding, rolling course before producing the fastest finish from a reduced group. Pogačar finished third and retained the overall lead, while Brennan earned the biggest victory of his young career.
Stage 3: Extreme Weather Forces Cancellation
Stage 3 from Gruissan to Font-Romeu was canceled after severe weather, including hail, created unsafe conditions for the riders. The peloton was forced to stop during the stage as race officials prioritized rider safety. Because the stage was abandoned, there was no official stage winner or result, and the race resumed the following day in Andorra.
Stage 4: Pogačar Dominates in Andorra
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) delivered a commanding solo performance in the short but mountainous Stage 4 around Andorra la Vella. He attacked with roughly 50 kilometers remaining and steadily extended his advantage over the chasing contenders. Pogačar’s victory strengthened his hold on the red jersey and underlined his early dominance in the mountains.
Stage 5: Brennan Doubles His Vuelta Victory Total
Matthew Brennan (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) claimed his second stage victory in Roquetes after another impressive sprint. The young British rider benefited from a strong team effort before producing the fastest finish against Jordi Meeus and Vincenzo Albanese. Brennan’s back-to-back success established him as one of the standout sprinters of the opening week.
Stage 6: Pogačar Wins Again in Castelló
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) returned to the top step on Stage 6 after a demanding day featuring several climbs and a difficult finish. Enric Mas pushed the Slovenian hard during the final section, but Pogačar produced the stronger finishing kick to secure his third stage victory of the race. The win further increased his advantage in the overall classification.
Stage 7: Leknessund Claims Breakaway Victory
Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) captured a memorable Stage 7 victory at the summit finish on Aramón Valdelinares. The Norwegian spent much of the day in the breakaway before attacking on the final climb and riding clear of his remaining rivals. His victory marked Uno-X Mobility’s first Vuelta stage win and came as the team celebrated a breakthrough performance in its debut appearance at the Spanish Grand Tour.
Stage 8: Coquard Wins as Pogačar Crashes Out
Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) earned his first Grand Tour stage victory in a hectic sprint finish at Xeraco. Coquard narrowly defeated Mads Pedersen and Jordi Meeus after the late breakaway was caught, but the stage was overshadowed by Pogačar’s crash with more than 30 kilometers remaining. The race leader was forced to abandon, ending his Vuelta challenge and handing the red jersey to Enric Mas (Movistar Team).
