La Vuelta 2026: Almería Shines in Queen Stage from Vera to Calar Alto
The province showcases its tourism and sports potential globally with a demanding high-mountain stage culminating at Calar Alto.
By Antonio Vega Carmona
••4 min read
IA
Mountain bike wheel on a road in Almería at sunset.
The province of Almería became the epicenter of world cycling with the celebration of Stage 12 of La Vuelta 26, linking Vera to the summit of Calar Alto and showcasing the 'Costa de Almería' destination's tourism and sporting excellence.
The stage, starting in Vera and finishing at Calar Alto (over 2,100 meters altitude), covered 167 kilometers, displaying the province's scenic richness from sea to mountain to a global audience of up to 190 countries.
The cycling peloton tackled five high-mountain passes, including the first-category Alto de Velefique and the final ascent to Calar Alto, a special category climb. The day began in Vera amidst a large gathering of fans.
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"Today is a very important day for the province of Almería because everyone has been able to admire the quality of the 'Costa de Almería' destination for sports. And it has done so through a spectacular stage that started on the shores of the Mediterranean in Vera and culminated at the summit of Calar Alto next to the prestigious astronomical observatory where one can admire the cleanest sky in Europe."
The President of the Provincial Council, José Antonio García Alcaina, emphasized Almería's suitability as a sports destination due to its climate, road quality, and tourist excellence, reaffirming its role as a major competitive venue.
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"Once again, and thanks to La Vuelta, we have shown that the province of Almería, due to its climate, road quality, and tourist excellence, is one of the best places in the world to enjoy outdoor sports at any time of the year. We continue to write history as a great competitive stage and we have thrilled with the peloton and an exciting stage finish that has invited us to dream in the land where those dreams come true."
The mayor of Vera, Alfonso García Ramos, highlighted the opportunity of hosting a La Vuelta stage to promote the municipality nationally and internationally, showcasing its heritage, coastline, and capacity for organizing major sporting events.
The stage also passed through municipalities such as Antas, Zurgena, Arboleas, Albox, Cantoria, Albanchez, Cóbdar, Benitagla, Alcudia de Monteagud, Chercos, Macael, Tahal, Senés, Tabernas, Castro de Filabres, Velefique, Bacares, and Olula de Castro, in addition to the key points of Vera, Calar Alto, Gérgal, and Velefique.
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"It has been a very interesting stage with a great stage winner, Jakob Omrzel, who takes a good chunk for the general classification fight, and then we had Enric Mas who managed to gain 27 more seconds on his immediate pursuers with a spectacular fight against Roglic and Gall. La Vuelta is shaping up to be very exciting with very interesting stages ahead. I want to thank the President of the Provincial Council for this stage and also the public who has accompanied us throughout the race, which I believe leaves us all satisfied, the organization first and foremost."
In sporting terms, Slovenian Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) took the victory after an attack 12 kilometers from the finish, finishing 1'56" ahead of Urko Berrade (Equipo Kern Pharma) and 2'13" ahead of his teammate Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious).
Meanwhile, Enric Mas (Movistar Team) consolidated his lead by attacking 13 kilometers from the finish, gaining 27 seconds on his rivals Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall, with final assistance from his teammate Raúl García Pierna.
The broadcast of La Vuelta, followed in 190 countries, has ensured significant exposure for the 'Costa de Almería' destination, with nearly 17 million TV viewers in Spain and 572 million video views on official La Vuelta platforms.
Stage Classification: 1. J. Omrzel – Bahrain Victorious – 4h 29’ 53’’ 2. U. Berrade – Equipo Kern Pharma – at 1’ 56’’ 3. S. Buitrago – Bahrain Victorious – at 2’ 13’’
General Classification: 1. Enric Mas – Movistar Team – 40 h 31’ 51’’ 2. P. Roglic – Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe – at 1’ 45’’ 3. F. Gall – Decathlon CMA CGM Team – at 2’ 06’’
