2026 is the "toughest Vuelta a España of my life," according to Vuelta director Javier Guilén, and with an all-time maximum of 58,156 metres of vertical climbing, there can be no doubt that, on paper at least, the 81st edition of the Vuelta a España will be one of the most challenging editions ever.
But amidst the seven summit finishes, the near-unprecedented finale in Granada – only once before since the Vuelta's first edition back in 1935 has the race ended so far south of its usual curtain-closer in Madrid – and its third foreign start in as many years in Monaco, some stages stand out as likely being pivotal in the overall outcome.
