The 2026 Volta a Catalunya is shaping up to be a showdown of cycling’s biggest stars, with the race scheduled to run from March 23 to March 29. This year’s edition promises a thrilling competition between top climbers and general classification contenders.
Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma | Lease a Bike is set to make his debut in the Catalan race after being sidelined last season due to a crash. Vingegaard will be looking to add another major victory to his palmarès, and will be a key rider to watch as he prepares for both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.
Vingegaard will face stiff competition from a stellar field including reigning champions Primož Roglič (2025 and 2023) and Tadej Pogačar (2024), as well as Belgian star Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Newcomer Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) also joins the fray, adding another dimension to the race’s competitive landscape.
Team Visma | Lease a Bike enjoyed a smooth second stage on Tuesday, March 24, safely guiding Vingegaard to the finish line and avoiding any major incidents, according to the team’s report. The team opted to stay out of contention for the stage win, focusing instead on conserving energy for the challenges ahead.
Sports director Marc Reef noted the team’s successful strategy, stating, “We wanted to stay out of trouble and the guys did a brilliant job.” He also anticipates a tougher stage on Wednesday, March 25, with two challenging climbs early in the race and the potential for wind to play a factor.
The race route will be demanding and varied, traversing Catalonia from north to south and from the coast to the mountains, incorporating several new locations. The third stage will feature a start in Mont-roig del Camp, although the final stage will once again conclude in Barcelona. Three high-altitude finishes are planned – at Vallter, Coll de Pal, and Queralt – promising decisive moments in the general classification battle.
The 2026 edition will kick off on Monday, March 23, with a 172.7km stage from Sant Feliu de Guíxols to Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The second stage, covering 167 kilometers from Figueres to Banyoles, will present a different challenge. The third stage, a 159km ride from Mont-roig del Camp to Vila-seca, will feature three categorized climbs.
The fourth stage, a 173km trek from Mataró to Vallter, will be the first of three consecutive mountain stages. Stage five, spanning 155km from La Seu d’Urgell to La Molina/Coll de Pal, will test the riders with a grueling climb. The sixth stage, a 158km route from Berga to Queralt, will feature challenging ascents. The race will conclude on Sunday, March 29, with a traditional 95km circuit in Barcelona, including seven climbs up Montjuïc.
Perfil de la 1ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
1ª: Lunes 23 marzo. Sant Feliu de Guíxols (13:00)-Sant Feliu de Guíxols (17:00), 172 km
Perfil de la 2ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
2ª: Martes 24 marzo. Figueres (13:10)-Banyoles (17:00), 167 km
Perfil de la 3ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
3ª: Miércoles 25 marzo. Mont-roig del Camp (13:40)-Vila-seca (17:20), 159 km
Perfil de la 4ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
4ª: Jueves 26 marzo. Mataró (12:45)-Vallter (16:55), 173 km
Perfil de la 5ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
5ª: Viernes 27 marzo. La Seu d’Urgell (11:40)-La Molina / Coll de Pal (16:00), 155 km
Perfil de la 6ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
6ª: Sábado 28 marzo. Berga (12:50)-Queralt (17:00), 158 km
Perfil de la 7ª etapa © Volta Catalunya
7ª: Domingo 29 marzo. Barcelona (10:50)-Barcelona (Montjuïc) (13:00), 95 km
Mapa 2026 © Volta Catalunya
The RACC has renewed its collaboration with the Volta for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, reinforcing its commitment to cyclist safety, sustainable mobility, and the promotion of elite cycling. The RACC will continue as the sponsor of the Victoria de Etapa award and will maintain its operational support for the race, and will now also serve as the official medical provider for the women’s Volta.
The Volta Ciclista a Catalunya continues to prepare for its 105th edition, promising a thrilling competition with a strong field of riders and a challenging route. The race is set to attract significant media attention, with broadcasts in 190 territories and coverage from 42 broadcasters and digital platforms.
On February 5, the official presentation of the men’s and women’s races took place, unveiling the route and confirming the participation of top cyclists like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel. The event highlighted the Volta’s importance as a key event in the international cycling calendar.
On January 14, Jonas Vingegaard announced his participation in the 2026 Volta a Catalunya, marking his highly anticipated debut in the race. The double Tour de France winner will be a key contender for the overall victory, alongside other stars like Remco Evenepoel.
Barcelona will once again play a central role in the Volta, hosting the final stage of both the men’s and women’s races in 2026. The city has been a fixture in the race since its inception in 1911, and Montjuïc will continue to serve as the iconic finish line.
On November 6, it was announced that the Costa Daurada will feature prominently in the 2026 Volta, with a stage starting in Mont-roig del Camp and finishing in Vila-seca. This marks a return to the region after a seven-year absence.
On November 30, organizers revealed that the 2026 Volta will feature three challenging mountain-top finishes at Vallter, Coll de Pal, and Queralt, promising a demanding test for the riders.
