Click on the flag to change language. The automatic translation of this website is done by “Gtranslate” and may contain translation errors. The English text is authoritative.
Spain 23 Mar – 29 Mar 2026 Class 2.UWT – Stages – UCI WorldTour
Website www.voltacatalunya.cat
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 105th edition of the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya (2.UWT) is scheduled to take place from March 23 to March 29, 2026. This UCI WorldTour race features seven stages, covering a total distance of approximately 1,081.1 km through the heart of Catalonia.
Stage Schedule & Route
| # | Date | Route | Distance | Type |
| 1 | Mar 23 | Sant Feliu de Guíxols > Sant Feliu de Guíxols | 172.6 km | Flat / Tricky |
| 2 | Mar 24 | Figueres > Banyoles | 167.4 km | Flat |
| 3 | Mar 25 | Mont-roig del Camp > Vila-seca | 159.5 km | Hilly |
| 4 | Mar 26 | Mataró > Vallter | 173.0 km | Mountain |
| 5 | Mar 27 | La Seu d’Urgell > La Molina (Coll de Pal) | 155.3 km | Mountain |
| 6 | Mar 28 | Berga > Queralt | 158.2 km | Mountain |
| 7 | Mar 29 | Barcelona > Barcelona | 95.1 km | Hilly (Circuit) |
Race Highlights
- Mountain Showdowns: Stages 4, 5, and 6 serve as the critical mountain tests. Notably, Stage 4 finishes at the high-altitude Vallter, and Stage 5 features the challenging Coll de Pal.
- The Grand Finale: As is tradition, the race concludes in Barcelona with the punchy laps around the Montjuïc circuit, often used by attackers to make a final move on the general classification.
- The Field: Expected participants include top-tier UCI WorldTeams such as UAE Team Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Ineos Grenadiers, with stars like Remco Evenepoel linked to the uphill finishes.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Volta Ciclista a Catalunya is one of the most storied events in professional cycling. Founded in 1911, it is the fourth-oldest surviving stage race in the world, predating even the Vuelta a España by 24 years.
Origins and Early Years
The race was the brainchild of cycling journalist Miquel Arteman, editor of the Barcelona-based newspaper El Mundo Deportivo. Alongside Narcís Masferrer and Jaume Grau, Arteman organized the first edition from January 6 to 8, 1911.
- The First Winner: Catalan rider Sebastià Masdeu claimed the inaugural victory.
- The Route: The first race consisted of just three stages: Barcelona to Tarragona, Tarragona to Lleida, and back to Barcelona.
The Era of Legends
The race’s “Golden Age” in the 1920s and 30s was defined by Mariano Cañardo, often called “The Catalan of Olite.” He set a record that remains unbroken today:
- Record Holder: Cañardo won the overall title 7 times between 1928 and 1939.
- War Disruptions: The race was suspended during World War I (1914–1919) and the Spanish Civil War (1937–1938), but it served as a powerful symbol of Catalan identity during the post-war recovery.
Historic Champions
The “Roll of Honour” for the Volta reads like a Hall of Fame for the sport:
- Mid-Century Stars: Miguel Poblet (33 stage wins), Jacques Anquetil (1967), and Eddy Merckx (1968).
- Spanish Icons: Miguel Induráin (3-time winner in the early 90s) and Alejandro Valverde (3-time winner).
- Modern Era: Recently, the race has been dominated by superstars like Tadej Pogačar (2024) and Primož Roglič (2023, 2025).
Evolution of the Calendar
The Volta has shifted its place on the international calendar several times:
- September (1941–1994): For over 50 years, it was a late-season fixture.
- June (1995–2009): It moved to June to serve as a key warm-up for the Tour de France.
- March (2010–Present): It now sits in late March as a prestigious early-season test for climbers in the UCI WorldTour.
Iconic Traditions
- The White and Green Jersey: The leader’s jersey features a distinctive design of white with three green stripes.
- The Montjuïc Finish: The race traditionally concludes with a hilly circuit in Barcelona featuring the climb of Montjuïc, a tactical battlefield where many final GC battles are decided.
