Every year, cycling fans from around the world turn their attention to Spain for one of the biggest events on the international cycling calendar: La Vuelta a España. Together with the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours. The race is known for its demanding mountain stages, fast finishes, beautiful landscapes and the intense battle for the famous red leader’s jersey.
The beginning of La Vuelta
The history of La Vuelta goes back almost a century. The first edition of the race took place in 1935, making 2025 the 90th anniversary of the event. The first Vuelta consisted of 14 stages and covered around 3,400 kilometres. The Belgian cyclist Gustaaf Deloor became the first winner of La Vuelta, and he successfully defended his title the following year in 1936.
The early years of La Vuelta were very different from the modern race. The event was interrupted several times throughout history, including because of the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. Over the decades, however, the race continued to grow and became an important part of the international cycling calendar.
One of the most recognisable symbols of La Vuelta today is the red jersey, worn by the rider leading the general classification. The red jersey was introduced in its current form in 2010. Before that, the colour of the leader’s jersey changed several times throughout the history of the race, including orange, white, yellow and gold.
La Vuelta 2026
The 2026 edition is the 81st edition of La Vuelta. This year’s race started on 22 August in Monaco and will finish on 13 September in Granada. Over the course of 21 stages, the riders will cover approximately 3,275 kilometres through Monaco, France, Andorra and Spain. The route includes flat stages, hilly stages, time trials and several difficult mountain stages.
The 2026 edition is particularly interesting because the race started outside Spain. Monaco hosted the opening time trial, before the peloton travelled through France and Andorra and eventually entered Spain. It is the seventh time in the history of La Vuelta that the race has started outside Spain.
As the race progresses, the battle for the red jersey becomes increasingly important. Riders have to be able to perform not only on flat roads but also in the mountains, where the biggest differences in the general classification are often created.
La Vuelta comes to Seville
For Seville, one of the highlights of this year’s race will be 9 September 2026. On this day, the 17th stage of La Vuelta will travel from Dos Hermanas to Seville, covering approximately 185 kilometres. The riders are expected to arrive in Seville around 17:30, with the finish taking place at the Paseo de Cristóbal Colón.
This means that Seville will become part of the international spotlight for an afternoon. Thousands of cycling fans are expected to line the streets to watch the professional peloton pass through the city. At the same time, the event requires significant traffic measures, with roads along the route being closed to ensure the safety of the riders and spectators.
For a city like Seville, this is a perfect match. Cycling is already an important part of everyday life in the city. The flat landscape, historic centre and extensive network of cycle paths make Seville one of the most enjoyable cities in Spain to explore by bike.
From professional cycling to exploring Seville by bike
There is an interesting difference between La Vuelta and a normal bike tour. The professional riders travel through Seville at incredible speeds, competing for every second. Visitors exploring the city by bike have a completely different experience: they can take their time, stop to admire the architecture and discover places such as the Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa and the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
Nevertheless, both experiences show the same thing: Seville is a city that is perfect for cycling.
For companies such as ATD Bikes, La Vuelta is therefore a special event. It puts Seville’s cycling culture in the international spotlight and shows visitors another side of the city. While professional cyclists race through the streets in September, tourists can experience the same city from a much more relaxed perspective on two wheels and at their own pace.
A special moment for Seville
La Vuelta is more than just a cycling race. It is an event that connects sport, tourism and the cities through which the riders travel. Every stage gives spectators the opportunity to see their region from a different perspective, while also introducing international visitors to new destinations.
When the peloton arrives in Seville on 9 September, the city will temporarily become part of the world of professional cycling. For cycling enthusiasts, it will be a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best riders racing through the streets of the city.
And for everyone who loves exploring Seville by bike, it is another reminder of why Seville and cycling are such a perfect combination.
If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them. Whether online or in our shop, we are here to help!
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