As the 2026 Vuelta a España approaches, anticipation builds for the climbers poised to dominate the hill and mountain stages. This year’s route promises a grueling test, featuring over 5,000 meters of elevation gain in the decisive Stage 20, culminating atop the Collado del Alguacil. (watchcycling.com)
Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)
Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz enters his seventh Vuelta a España with high expectations following a stellar Tour de France, where he secured two stage victories and the mountains classification. Carapaz’s aggressive racing style makes him a formidable contender in the mountainous stages, aiming for a podium finish in Granada.
Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)
Danish all-rounder Mads Pedersen, fresh off clinching the green jersey at the Tour de France, brings his versatility to the Vuelta. His prowess in both flat and hilly terrains positions him as a key player in breakaways, targeting stage wins and accumulating points in the mountain stages.
Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Belgium’s Wout van Aert, known for his adaptability across various terrains, returns to the Vuelta after missing the Tour de France. His presence is expected to inject dynamism into the race, whether contesting stage victories or influencing the race’s overall strategy.
Iván Romeo (Movistar)
Spanish climber Iván Romeo makes his Vuelta debut, eager to showcase his talents on home soil. After missing the Tour de France due to physical issues, Romeo is determined to prove himself, with the mountainous stages offering ample opportunities for aggressive racing.
Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step)
French climber Valentin Paret-Peintre, a consistent contender in the mountains, aims to make his mark in the Vuelta. His experience and climbing abilities make him a rider to watch in the hilly and mountainous stages.
Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility)
Norwegian rider Tobias Halland Johannessen, recognized for his attacking style, enters the Vuelta with ambitions to challenge in the mountain stages. His performance in previous races indicates potential for significant results in the upcoming Vuelta.
Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana)
Italian climber Lorenzo Fortunato, after missing the Giro d’Italia and being overlooked for the Tour de France, is set to make a statement in the Vuelta. His focus on the mountainous stages could lead to notable performances, especially given his previous successes in similar terrains.
Markel Beloki (EF Education-EasyPost)
At just 21, Spanish climber Markel Beloki, son of the renowned Joseba Beloki, is poised to make his Vuelta debut. With recent victories in the Tour de l’Ain and a strong showing in the Vuelta a Burgos, Beloki is a promising talent to watch in the mountain stages.
As the Vuelta a España unfolds, these climbers are set to shape the race’s narrative, each bringing unique strengths to the demanding mountain stages ahead.