This stage, spanning 205.1 kilometers, will commence in Vélez-Málaga and conclude at the demanding Peñas Blancas climb in Estepona. The route will pass through several Malaga municipalities including Rincón de la Victoria, the capital Malaga, Cártama, Coín, Alozaina, Ronda, and Marbella, offering a diverse landscape of coast and mountains.
The official presentation of this stage took place in the Salón de Pasos Perdidos of the Malaga Provincial Council. The event was attended by the president of the Malaga Provincial Council, the general director of La Vuelta, and the mayors of Vélez-Málaga and Estepona.
“"There is a great passion for cycling in the province, and it is an ideal territory for practicing this sport, as it combines the beauty of the coast with that of very tough mountains."
Cycling experts anticipate that this stage will be favorable for breakaways, with a flat start that will become more challenging in the Serranía de Ronda. The finish at Peñas Blancas, featuring over 1,200 meters of accumulated elevation gain and more than 19 kilometers of ascent, is expected to be a decisive point for the general classification.
The 2026 Vuelta edition is notable for its strong international and Mediterranean character, starting in Monaco and finishing in Granada, with passages through France and Andorra. The Andalusian region will play a significant role, hosting ten of the twenty-one final stages.
“"This edition will be historic for Andalusia, as all eight provinces will be present, and the stage on September 11 will be very important from a sporting point of view for the general classification, as it will be the penultimate one."
