- Stage 11: Cartagena - Lorca
- Date: September 2, 2026
- Distance: 151.3km
- Elevation gain: 1,351m
- Start time: 13:50 CET
- Finish time: 17:21 CET
Stage details
Stage 11 should provide the Vuelta a España sprinters with another opportunity, however, similar to stage 8, they need to contend with a climb cresting at just under 30 kilometres from the finish line.
The terrain resulted in a chaotic final dash to the line on Tuesday, leaving Bastien Tronchon (Groupama-FDJ United) celebrating a surprise win to the line. However, that also means many who had felt like they were in with a good shot were left disappointed, not least of all the fourth finishing Wout van Aert who had his Visma-Lease a Bike's team doing much of the chasing through the day.
It's a lead-in that should fire up the competition, as those who missed out are given even more incentive to chase that win, while those who may not be welded on favourites for the stage have also just been given a clear demonstration that they are beatable.
The last stage labelled flat in a week where the mountains are looming starts in historical Cartagena. The route enters the Calblanque Natural Park before continuing along the shores of the Mar Menor. After some 38 kilometres, the peloton will turn inland and pass through orchards, heading west towards the finish line in Lorca.
Still, there is a challenge to be overcome for the sprinters before Lorca, in the form of the single climb of the day, the category three Alto de Aledo which tops out at 121.8km into the day of racing. The final 29.5 kilometres are then characterized by a brief plateau, a fast descent and final dash to glory.
Climbs
- Alto de Aledo (cat. 3, 9.5km at 3.2%), km. 121.8
Sprints
- Totana, km. 111.9 - points and time bonus
