Spain 18 Feb – 22 Feb 2026 Class 2.Pro – Stages – UCI ProSeries
Website www.vueltaandalucia.es
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The 72nd edition of the Vuelta a AndalucΓa Ruta Ciclista Del Sol is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 18, to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
As we are currently on February 16, the race is just two days away! This UCI ProSeries event is a classic early-season test, covering over 800 kilometers and 11,000 meters of climbing through the heart of southern Spain.
π 2026 Race Schedule & Route
The route balances rolling hills with punchy climbs, often favoring “puncheurs” and versatile climbers over pure sprinters.
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Key Feature |
| 1 | Feb 18 | BenahavΓs β Pizarra | 163.9 km | Mountainous start in MΓ‘laga province. |
| 2 | Feb 19 | Torrox β Otura | 138.6 km | Hilly terrain with a scenic coastal start. |
| 3 | Feb 20 | JaΓ©n β Lopera | 180.9 km | Longest stage; likely a selective sprint. |
| 4 | Feb 21 | Montoro β Pozoblanco | 166.1 km | Rolling roads through CΓ³rdoba. |
| 5 | Feb 22 | La Roda de AndalucΓa β Lucena | 167.8 km | Final showdown with the Alto de la Primera Cruz. |
π΄ Top Contenders to Watch
The 2026 lineup is looking stacked with riders looking to build form for the spring classics and Grand Tours:
- Pavel Sivakov (UAE Team Emirates): The defending champion returns to wear the #1 bib and attempt a back-to-back victory.
- Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers): After a podium finish last year, the Olympic champion is a favorite for the punchy finishes.
- Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny): A previous winner (2024) who thrives on the short, steep “muros” of AndalucΓa.
- Romain GrΓ©goire: Watch for him on the uphill drags; his explosive kick is perfect for this race profile.
πΊ How to Follow
Race Style: Expect “chaotic and tactical” racing. Because the final stage into Lucena features a significant climb followed by a fast descent, the General Classification (GC) could be decided by just a few seconds on the very last day.+1
Live Broadcast: In many regions, you can stream the race via FloBikes or Eurosport/Discovery+.
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 Vuelta a AndalucΓa, popularly known as the Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), is one of the oldest and most prestigious stage races in Spain. Its history is a mix of early-century ambition, mid-century revivals, and a modern reputation as the “season opener” for cycling’s biggest stars.
ποΈ Origins and Early Years
- The 1925 Debut: The race was first organized in 1925 by Miguel ArtemΓ‘n, a journalist from Seville. It consisted of five stages, starting and ending in Seville. The inaugural winner was Spanish rider Ricardo Montero.
- The Long Hiatus: After that first edition, the race went dormant for 30 years. It was finally revived in 1955 by the AgrupaciΓ³n Ciclista MalagueΓ±a. Since then, it has been held almost every year, cementing its place in the European spring calendar.
βοΈ The “Ruta del Sol” Rebranding
The race hasn’t always been called the “Ruta del Sol.”
- 1979β1986: During this period, the event was officially renamed the Ruta Ciclista del Sol. The name was a marketing masterstroke, designed to promote the Costa del Sol as a prime winter tourist destination.
- 1993βPresent: The two identities were eventually merged into the official title we see today: Vuelta a AndalucΓa β Ruta Ciclista del Sol.
π Legends of the Race
While Spanish riders have historically dominated, the race has attracted global icons.
- The King of AndalucΓa: Alejandro Valverde holds the record for the most overall victories, with 5 wins (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
- The Sprint Record: Legendary Belgian sprinter Freddy Maertens holds the record for most stage wins, with a staggering 13 across the 1970s.
- Modern Era: In recent years, the race has been a playground for “Super Teams.” Tadej PogaΔar dominated the 2023 edition, and your current defending champion entering the 2026 race is Pavel Sivakov.
π© Historical Oddities
- The 2024 “Ghost” Edition: One of the strangest moments in the race’s history occurred in 2024. Due to widespread farmer protests in Spain requiring police presence elsewhere, four of the five stages were canceled. The entire race was reduced to a single 4.95 km time trial, won by Maxim Van Gils.
- Expansion: Though it is now strictly an Andalusian affair, in the late 1970s and early 80s, the route occasionally dipped into neighboring regions like Murcia and Levante.
π² Evolution of the Route
Historically, the race was often a sprinterβs paradise. However, in the last 15 years, organizers have leaned into the region’s rugged geography. Modern routes are characterized by “muros” (short, incredibly steep climbs) and finish lines in historic white-walled villages (pueblos blancos), making it a favorite for explosive climbers and “puncheurs.”
