The Vuelta a España 2024 route was revealed in Madrid last week – and if you’re a sprinter or a die-hard fan of a sprint-focused team, you’re going to hate it.
Prepare for an unforgettable spectacle as the world’s top cyclists compete for glory in this thrilling edition of the Vuelta a España.
Commencing in Lisbon and remaining in Portugal for the first three days, the race culminates in a tantalizing individual time trial winding through the bustling streets of the iconic Madrid.
While we may be missing the renowned climbs in the Pyrenees or beasts like the Angliru that adorned the 2023 route as Sepp Kuss rode to glory, the race is stacked with a mind-boggling amount of elevation and formidable mountain challenges.
Notable among them are the demanding climbs of Cuitu Negru, Picón Blanco, and the triumphant return to Lagos de Covadonga.
As the cyclists navigate these unrelenting mountain terrains, the stage is set for a mountain specialist to emerge victorious, such as Sepp Kuss from Team Jumbo-Visma, who claimed the overall victory in last year’s race.
There are many unique features to the 2024 edition that make it stand out from the other Grand Tours, and this year is sure to have cycling fans smacking their lips.
Headline Features of the Vuelta a España 2024 Route
Vuelta a España 2024 Length and Elevation
The 2024 Vuelta a España route covers 3,261 km (2,026 miles) across 21 stages for an average distance of 155 km (96 miles) per stage.
The race organizers have yet to disclose the total elevation gain, but with nine summit finishes and only one out of twenty-one stages being described as flat, it’s safe to assume: lots!
The highest point in the race will be the Cuitu Negru. At 1,843 meters (6,047 ft), it’s a well-known ski-station in the Cantabrian Mountains.
Vuelta a España 2024 Dates
The 2024 Vuelta a España will start on Saturday, 17 August, and conclude on Sunday, 8th September.
Final Stage Time Trial
The final stage of this year’s Vuelta a España features a 22 km time trial through the streets of Madrid.
No rest for the GC contenders after weeks of battling it out in the mountains.
Depending on the state of the race, the smallest time gaps can lead to significant changes in the overall standings, adding drama and tension to the conclusion of the tour.
Does anyone remember Primož Roglič in the 2020 Tour de France or 2023 Giro d’Italia? Or the greatest race finale of them all, the 1989 Tour de France? Final stage time trials can produce some nail-biting viewing.
Race Start in Portugal
The 2024 edition of the Vuelta a España promises an all-Iberian spectacle as the inaugural weekend festivities unfold in Portugal for the first time since the memorable year of 1997, a year won by Alex Zülle.
The peloton commences its journey amidst the vibrant energy of Lisbon and will remain in Portugal for the first three stages, showcasing Portugal’s picturesque landscapes and captivating culture.
Noteworthy is the palpable excitement surrounding the strong contingent of Portuguese riders in the World Tour, who will likely appear from João Almeida, Ruben Guerrero, and Rui Costa.
The city of Lisbon is bound to be bustling with excitement and roaring crowds, serving as a fitting stage for the commencement of the Vuelta.
© Luis Angel Gomez/Sprint Cycling Agency
One For The Climbers
The 2024 Vuelta a España promises to be a thrilling spectacle for climbers, presenting a course that emphasizes challenging ascents and unrelentingly hilly stages.
While there are only a couple of high-altitude ascents, the course more than makes up for it, with only one stage categorized as flat.
The remaining stages range from hilly to medium mountains, culminating in major mountainous terrains that will undoubtedly define the General Classification (GC) battle.
GC contenders will be battling up until the finish line on the 8th of September, with a strategically placed mountain day on stage 20, featuring seven categorized climbs and a steep summit finish at Picón Blanco.
The Vuelta introduces three new summit finishes: Yunquera on stage 6, Sierra de Cazorla on stage 8, and a formidable ascent to the Puerto de Ancares on stage 13.
This year features the second-ever inclusion of the fearsome Cuitu Negru on stage 15. Stretching over 19km and featuring pitches reaching up to 25%, this climb left a lasting impression on riders the first time around, with Italian cyclist Dario Cataldo describing it as “the steepest he ever rode.”
I’m lucky enough to live local to Cuitu Negru, and can attest to the eye-watering inclines near the top!
This isn’t a year for pure sprinters, although, while there is only one flat stage, five other days with undulations provide opportunities for durable sprinters, like Wout Van Aert, to contend for stage victories.
However, make no mistake: this edition of the Vuelta is unequivocally designed for the climbers. With a mere 34km of total time trials distributed across Stage 1 in Lisbon (12 km) and Stage 21 in Madrid (22 km), the race favors those adept at scaling mountains.
With a reduced emphasis on time trials, riders like last year’s champion Sepp Kuss, who has already expressed a desire to defend his crown, as well as contenders like Nairo Quintana, Mikel Landa, Enric Mas, and Felix Gall, are likely to relish the climbing-centric challenge.
The Vuelta’s design sets the stage for an exhilarating battle among the climbers vying for the coveted red jersey.
Vuelta a España 2024 Route: Stage-by-Stage Analysis
Stage 1: Lisbon – Oeiras | 12km | ITT
The 1st stage will be a flat Individual Time Trial of 12 kilometers between Lisbon and the coastal town of Oeiras.
There are no surprises here; despite having options for a hilly ITT, organizers opted to stick to the flat roads, creating a stage that will likely suit a rider like Wout van Aert (if he races the Vuelta) to put themselves in the red jersey.
Stage 2: Cascais – Ourém | 191km | Hilly
Although there is a lot of climbing cumulatively on Stage 2, this is a day for the sprinters or a breakaway.
Stage 3: Lousã – Castelo Branco | 191km | Hilly
Although there are some hills again on Stage 3, this is a day that the sprinters’ teams are likely to control.
Stage 4: Plasencia – Pico Villuercas | 167km | Mountain
The first major mountain day arrives almost straight away.
This is a proper mountain stage, with two serious climbs at the start. The final climb ends with a 3 km stint at over 13.4%.
This could be a day for the breakaway but will ultimately suit the GC riders, and it could kick off early.
Stage 5: Fuente del Maestre – Sevilla | 170km | Flat
Stage 5 is a rare opportunity for the sprinters. A relative respite from what’s to come and a chance to bag a win.
Stage 6: Carrefour Sur, Jerez de la Frontera – Yuquera | 181km | Mountain
A long rolling day, but this time without a big climb at the end. It’s looking good for the breakaway.
Stage 7: Archidona – Córdoba | 179km | Hilly
This day is pretty much flat, and if you were a sprinter, you’d be pretty happy until the Alto del 14% just before the finish.
Chances are the heavier sprinters will be dropped on the final climb, and a small break will get away.
Stage 8: Ubeda – Cazorla | 159km | Medium Mountains
Stage 8 looks similar to Stage 6, a long day with rolling hills and mountains.
Stage 9: Motril – Grenada | 178km | Mountain
Stage 9 could almost be classified as a high mountain stage, for this year’s Vuelta at least.
Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this is a stage where the GC teams will go all out.
REST DAY 1 – Monday, 26 August
Stage 10: Ponteareas – Baiona | 160km | Mountain
None of the individual climbs appear severe enough to generate substantial time gaps but no sprinter team will be able to control this stage, but at the same time, it’s unlikely that we’ll see any significant GC challenges.
A day for the breakaway.
Stage 11: Campus Tecnologico Cortizo, Padrón – Campus Tecnologico Cortizo, Padrón | 164km | Medium Mountains
Hills throughout, but nothing above 4% until a 3 km 9% climb at the end.
Stage 12: Ourense Termal – Estacion de Montaña de Manzaneda | 137km | Hilly
Stage 12 is likely to be a toss-up between the GC teams and the breakaway.
Plenty of rolling, uncategorized mountains until a stinging 16 km 4.7% climb to the finish line.
Stage 13: Lugo – Puerto de Ancares | 171km | Mountain
Stage 13 also appears to be a day for the GC teams and the breakaway.
The battles will likely be fought on the penultimate climb before a sharp climb to the finish. 7.7 km at 8.9%, with the last 5 km nearing an average of 12%. There is certainly a chance for a GC rider to gain an advantage.
Stage 14: Villafranca del Bierzo – Villalino | 199km | Medium Mountains
Stage 14 is the longest stage of the year at Vuelta a Espana.
It’s likely the GC teams will be saving themselves before another couple of days in the mountains to come, with the stage looking set for a breakaway.
Stage 15: Infiesto – Valgrande-Pajares, Cuitu Negru | 142km | Mountain
Cuitu Negru is a fierce 25 km long mountain pass, with the last 19 km at 7%. With long stints of higher gradients.
It’s a generally short day with a fierce climb and steep gradients, which will suit a rider like Jonas Vingegaard.
REST DAY 2 – Monday, 2 September
Stage 16: Luanco – Lagos de Covadonga | 181km | Mountain
Lagos de Covadonga is a classic Vuelta a España staple. Used more than any other climb and a beautiful part of Spain.
This is a day for the GC riders.
Stage 17: Monumento Juan de Castillo, Arnuero – Santander | 143km | Medium Mountains
Although there is a decent mountain in the middle of the Stage, the 100 km run to the finish lines this one up nicely for the sprinters if they’ve made it this far.
Stage 18: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Maeztu-Parque Natural de Izki | 175km | Medium Mountains
Stage 18 appears to be another clear opportunity for the breakaway.
Stage 19: Logroño – Alto de Moncalvillo | 168km | Hilly
The stage covers a is a simple parcours of 168km, tracing a path from Lograño to Alto de Moncalvillo, featuring two categorized climbs.
Notably, the second ascent, tackling the Alto de Moncalvillo (8.2km, 9%), poses a formidable challenge for the riders.
Stage 20: Villarcayo – Picón Blanco | 171km | Mountain
This is a firecracker of a stage. A total of seven categorized climbs come in quick succession. From start to finish, there are daunting mountains and hills stacked one after the other. If the GC riders are feeling themselves, this stage will be brutal.
If your adversary isn’t feeling well, you can gain a lot of time on them.
Stage 21: Distrito Telefónica, Madrid – Madrid | 22km | ITT
A flat ITT. What goes down on this day will depend on the GC standings up until this point.
We want to hear from you!
Which stages stand out to you?
Which riders do you think the route favors?
Is there anything you’re particularly pleased with or disappointed about with the 2024 Vuelta a España?
Let us know in the comments below!
