The Vuelta a España 2026 continues into its second half on Friday, September 4, with a challenging Stage 13 from Almuñécar to Loja. This La Vuelta 2026 Stage 13 Preview explores the route, favorites, and what to expect from this medium-mountain test. This is a key part of our cycling coverage.
The opening section is particularly important. The riders begin on the Mediterranean coast before heading inland towards the mountains. The first major climb arrives early, meaning the fight for the breakaway could be extremely intense. For more context on the previous day’s action, check out our Stage 12 analysis.
The GC battle adds another layer of intrigue. Enric Mas enters this stage as the red-jersey leader, with Primož Roglič, Felix Gall, Oscar Onley and Richard Carapaz among the riders looking to challenge him. After the Tadej Pogačar withdrawal, the race has become considerably more open.
Stage 13 could also be particularly significant for Carlos Rodríguez. The Spanish rider has identified this part of the race as an opportunity to rediscover his best form. Stay tuned to our latest news for more updates.
