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Spain 23 Mar – 29 Mar 2026 Class 2.UWT – Stages – UCI WorldTour
Website www.voltacatalunya.cat
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Here are brief biographies for three of Luxembourgโs prominent professional cyclists, representing different stages of their careers.
Bob Jungels
Born on September 22, 1992, Bob Jungels is the most accomplished veteran of this trio. Known as a versatile “all-rounder” with exceptional time-trialling abilities, he has been a mainstay in the UCI WorldTour for over a decade.
- Career Highlights: His palmarรจs is headlined by a prestigious victory at Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge (2018) and a solo mountain stage win at the Tour de France (2022). He also famously wore the White Jersey (Best Young Rider) at the Giro d’Italia in back-to-back years (2016, 2017).
- Specialty: Long-range solo attacks, time trials, and supporting team leaders in Grand Tours.
- Current Status: Currently riding for Red BullโBoraโHansgrohe, where he provides invaluable experience and engine power for the team’s GC (General Classification) ambitions.
Mats Wenzel
Born on December 19, 2002, Mats Wenzel is one of Luxembourgโs most promising climbing talents. He has steadily risen through the developmental ranks, gaining attention for his performances in tough, hilly stage races.
- Career Highlights: Wenzel made a significant impact in the U23 (Under-23) circuit, notably finishing in the top 10 of the Tour de l’Avenir (often considered the “mini Tour de France” for young riders) in 2024. He is a multiple-time National U23 Champion in both the road race and time trial.
- Specialty: Pure climbing and stage racing. He excels when the gradient ticks upward and the race becomes one of attrition.
- Current Status: After developing with the Lidl-Trek Future Racing team, he is transitioning into the professional ranks, often cited as a future leader for Luxembourg in the high mountains.
Mathieu Kockelmann
Born on January 31, 2004, Mathieu Kockelmann is a powerhouse specialist. He burst onto the international scene as a junior, proving to be one of the fastest riders of his generation against the clock.
- Career Highlights: In 2022, he became the Junior European Time Trial Champion, signaling his potential as a world-class specialist. He has also shown great strength in “Classics” style racing, which requires explosive power over short, punchy hills and cobbles.
- Specialty: Individual time trials and aggressive, tactical racing in one-day Classics.
- Current Status: He currently competes for the Lotto Dstny Development Team. As a younger prospect, his focus remains on refining his massive “engine” to compete with the elite elite peloton in the coming seasons.
The 105th edition of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya (2.UWT) is scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 29, 2026. This UCI WorldTour race features seven stages, covering a total distance of approximately 1,081.1 km through the heart of Catalonia.
Stage Schedule & Route
| # | Date | Route | Distance | Type |
| 1 | Mar 23 | Sant Feliu de Guรญxols > Sant Feliu de Guรญxols | 172.6 km | Flat / Tricky |
| 2 | Mar 24 | Figueres > Banyoles | 167.4 km | Flat |
| 3 | Mar 25 | Mont-roig del Camp > Vila-seca | 159.5 km | Hilly |
| 4 | Mar 26 | Matarรณ > Vallter | 173.0 km | Mountain |
| 5 | Mar 27 | La Seu d’Urgell > La Molina (Coll de Pal) | 155.3 km | Mountain |
| 6 | Mar 28 | Berga > Queralt | 158.2 km | Mountain |
| 7 | Mar 29 | Barcelona > Barcelona | 95.1 km | Hilly (Circuit) |
Race Highlights
- Mountain Showdowns: Stages 4, 5, and 6 serve as the critical mountain tests. Notably, Stage 4 finishes at the high-altitude Vallter, and Stage 5 features the challenging Coll de Pal.
- The Grand Finale: As is tradition, the race concludes in Barcelona with the punchy laps around the Montjuรฏc circuit, often used by attackers to make a final move on the general classification.
- The Field: Expected participants include top-tier UCI WorldTeams such as UAE Team Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Ineos Grenadiers, with stars like Remco Evenepoel linked to the uphill finishes.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is one of the most storied events in professional cycling. Founded in 1911, it is the fourth-oldest surviving stage race in the world, predating even the Vuelta a Espaรฑa by 24 years.
Origins and Early Years
The race was the brainchild of cycling journalist Miquel Arteman, editor of the Barcelona-based newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. Alongside Narcรญs Masferrer and Jaume Grau, Arteman organized the first edition from January 6 to 8, 1911.
- The First Winner: Catalan rider Sebastiร Masdeu claimed the inaugural victory.
- The Route: The first race consisted of just three stages: Barcelona to Tarragona, Tarragona to Lleida, and back to Barcelona.
The Era of Legends
The raceโs “Golden Age” in the 1920s and 30s was defined by Mariano Caรฑardo, often called “The Catalan of Olite.” He set a record that remains unbroken today:
- Record Holder: Caรฑardo won the overall title 7 times between 1928 and 1939.
- War Disruptions: The race was suspended during World War I (1914โ1919) and the Spanish Civil War (1937โ1938), but it served as a powerful symbol of Catalan identity during the post-war recovery.
Historic Champions
The “Roll of Honour” for the Volta reads like a Hall of Fame for the sport:
- Mid-Century Stars: Miguel Poblet (33 stage wins), Jacques Anquetil (1967), and Eddy Merckx (1968).
- Spanish Icons: Miguel Indurรกin (3-time winner in the early 90s) and Alejandro Valverde (3-time winner).
- Modern Era: Recently, the race has been dominated by superstars like Tadej Pogaฤar (2024) and Primoลพ Rogliฤ (2023, 2025).
Evolution of the Calendar
The Volta has shifted its place on the international calendar several times:
- September (1941โ1994): For over 50 years, it was a late-season fixture.
- June (1995โ2009): It moved to June to serve as a key warm-up for the Tour de France.
- March (2010โPresent): It now sits in late March as a prestigious early-season test for climbers in the UCI WorldTour.
Iconic Traditions
- The White and Green Jersey: The leaderโs jersey features a distinctive design of white with three green stripes.
- The Montjuรฏc Finish: The race traditionally concludes with a hilly circuit in Barcelona featuring the climb of Montjuรฏc, a tactical battlefield where many final GC battles are decided.
