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  "description": "A closer look at all seven stages on the route of the first week-long stage race of 2026.",
  "path": "/preview-your-stage-by-stage-guide-to-the-2026-vuelta-femenina/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-29T21:46:13.000Z",
  "site": "https://escapecollective.com",
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  "textContent": "Cor Vos\n\nIn the blink of an eye, the Classics are behind us, and it's time for the first week-long stage race of the year: La Vuelta Femenina. At only seven days, the Vuelta is hardly a \"Grand Tour,\" but it definitely packs a punch, and it's the first time we will see a few top riders test themselves in a multi-day race this year.\n\nIt also sees the kickoff of the heart of stage race season in the women's calendar, with Itzulia Women and the Vuelta a Burgos Feminas following in quick succession. And finally, with the Giro d'Italia moved to the end of May from its former slot in mid-summer, the Vuelta will see a shakeup in its lineup.\n\nA full contender preview is coming later this week as startlists are still filling in. For now, get excited about what's ahead with this stage-by-stage breakdown of the first of three Spanish WorldTour stage races. From the looks of it, we could see the red leader's jersey changing hands quite a few times before it comes to rest on the shoulders of one of the GC favorites.\n\n* * *\n\n## Stage 1: Marin to Salvaterra de Miño (113.9 km)\n\n**When:** Sunday, May 3 at 11:35 CEST (19:35 AEST/5:35 EDT), expected finish 14:30 CEST (22:30 AEST/8:30 EDT)\n**Stage type:** Reduced sprint\n**Summary:** An introduction to the race that includes a few small hills, but with a relatively flat run to the line, the end will likely be a reduced sprint. The finale, however, is not entirely flat. The stage ends atop a 1 km ascent that hits 7.6% and averages 4.2%. At the top, the final 200 metres flattens out, but the \"climb\" is enough to string out the sprint.\n\n**Detailed breakdown:** The Vuelta starts in Marín, Spain, in the province of Pontevedra in Galicia. The town is located on the western edge of Spain, just north of the Portuguese border.\n\nThere are two categorised climbs over the 113 km opening stage; both are classified as Category 3 ascents, and both sit in the first 60 km of the stage, making them a nice opener for the race itself, but not crucial when it comes to stage outcome.\n\nThe first is the Alto do Cruceiero, 38.4 km into the stage (aka it starts with 82.5 km to go). This ascent is 7.8 km long and averages 4.6%; not tiny but nothing compared to what we will see later in the week.\n\nThe second categorised climb is the Alto da Portela, 49.4 km into the stage (starts with 67.7 km to go). It is shorter at only 3.6 km but steeper at 5.8%. Still, it's too far from the finish to make much difference on the stage.\n\nThe climbs that will impact the stage more are the uncategorised rolling hills in the final 50 km. One in particular starts with 52 km to go and is 3% average with a max of 7.4% for 6.2 km. Then, there are a few smaller kickers in the final 10 km where teams who know they can't feature in a sprint can try an attack.\n\nAs mentioned above, the finish is not flat, but atop an uncategorised 1 km climb. The race will approach the climb by going straight through a roundabout and taking a right immediately after. It's not sharp, but they go from a pretty wide road to a narrower road. On the climb, they make a left turn, followed by a right, and here the road narrows more. The finish is on an even narrower road, but nothing insane. It sits next to the Campo de Fútbol do Casal in Salvaterra de Miño.\n\nThe stage is great for a Marianne Vos, Lorena Wiebes, or Ally Wollaston.\n\n**Live coverage:** 🇦🇺 SBS 21:45 AEST, 🇪🇺 HBOMax 13:45 CEST, 🇬🇧 HBOMax 12:45 BST, 🇺🇸 Peacock 6:50 EDT, 🇨🇦 FloBikes 7:45 EDT\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Preview: Your stage-by-stage guide to the 2026 Vuelta Femenina",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-29T21:46:16.487Z"
}