Vuelta a España to start from Monaco this Saturday
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Professional cyclist Rudy Molard has spoken ahead of the Vuelta a España's Grand Départ from Monaco on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The Vuelta a España gets under way from Monaco this Saturday, making the Principality the starting point for one of cycling's three Grand Tours. The race's presence here gives residents and visitors a rare chance to watch professional cycling's elite depart from familiar streets before the peloton heads south into Spain.
Among those lining up is Rudy Molard, the 36-year-old French rider who grew up on the Côte d'Azur and has spent his career competing at the highest level of the sport. Speaking ahead of the start, Molard said the Vuelta has always been his preferred Grand Tour as a rider, and he heads into the race still chasing a first Grand Tour stage win after years of near-misses.
For Monaco, hosting the Grand Départ brings significant road closures and crowds to the seafront and surrounding districts. Those planning to travel by car on Saturday should expect disruption across much of the lower Principality, and public transport is likely to offer the most reliable option for reaching the departure area.