2026 Vuelta a España: Preview of Stage 13: Mountainous and just missing out on the finish

​Key information on Stage 13 of the 2026 Vuelta a España

• Friday 4 September: Almuñécar – Loja
• 192.8 kilometres, 3,404 metres of elevation gain (mountainous)
• Mountain climbs: km 31.2 (1st category), km 83.4 (2nd category), km 155.4 (2nd category)
• Intermediate sprint: KM 145
• Bonus sprint: KM 145
• Start: 12.20 pm, Finish: approx. 5.16 pm
• Live updates and results

The route of the 13th stage of the Tour of Spain

The pattern is now familiar: the stage starts on the Mediterranean coast and then heads into the mountainous hinterland. This is also the case for Stage 13, which has now, however, reached almost the southernmost tip of the country. The start town, Almuñécar, lies right on the coast, roughly halfway between Málaga and Almería, and is hosting a Vuelta stage for the first time.

The first 15 kilometres are flat and run eastwards along the coast until the route changes direction – and its gradient. As the route turns inland, the terrain climbs at a five per cent gradient for 14 kilometres. The Alto de la Venta de la Cebada (Category 1). Even after that, the route remains challenging as it continues slightly further north. Interestingly, the finish line for the 2026 Vuelta, Granada, is just 20 kilometres away. Yet the grand finale is still nine days away.

Instead, the route takes a sharp turn to the south-west, leading the peloton over the Alto de Legionario (2nd category). That means 15 kilometres at a three per cent gradient, before – interrupted only by a slight incline – almost 50 kilometres of more or less downhill terrain lie ahead. The route then heads north again, passing not far from Granada. The next climb, the Puerto de Granada (Category 2), underscores this once more. Its seven-and-a-half kilometres at a 5.6 per cent gradient are the final hurdle of the day. A long, gentle descent and twelve flat kilometres then lead to Loja, where three roundabouts lie in wait on the final 1,000 metres of gentle ascent before the finish line is reached.

At just under 193 kilometres, this is one of the longest stages of the tour, and the 3,400 metres of elevation gain is certainly a challenge.

A sporting analysis of Stage 13 of the 2026 Vuelta a España

Stage 13 could be one for the breakaway riders. This is mainly due to Enric Mas’s (Movistar Team) strong performance in the mountains the day before. He dominates the mountain finishes and therefore has no reason to make a move on other days. At the same time, his rivals know they won’t be able to shake him off, especially not on climbs that are only moderately difficult.

The general classification contenders are therefore likely to hold back. At the same time, the stage is probably a little too tough for Visma sprinter Matthew Brennan. Wout van Aert, on the other hand, spent a long time in the breakaway the day before and is therefore unlikely to have the legs to ride with the best over the final climb. As such, no one will necessarily feel obliged to take on the chasing duties. And Mas’s Movistar team has often shown that they are happy to let gaps widen when there is no danger. That is why a small group will battle it out amongst themselves for the win. It’s also fairly certain that a Uno-X rider will be among them.