Stage 4 of the Vuelta a España 2026 presents a short yet exceptionally grueling 104.8-kilometer circuit starting and finishing in Andorra la Vella, featuring four categorized mountain passes that will immediately test the peloton’s general classification contenders, according to official race data.
Route Profile and Demanding Pyrenean Climbs
Commencing on Tarragona Avenue in Andorra la Vella, the 81st edition of the Spanish grand tour brings riders directly into high-altitude terrain without a preliminary flat warmup. According to regional tourism documentation, the route heads toward Encamp, passing Canillo and Soldeu before tackling the Port d’Envalira. Standing at 2,408 meters above sea level, the Envalira climb spans approximately 21 kilometers at an average gradient of 5%, with sections reaching 8%. The high altitude and characteristic cold make it a severe test of pure endurance.
Following the descent through the 2,870-meter illuminated Envalira Tunnel—noted as Europe’s highest altitude tunnel—the race loops back through Encamp to confront the Collada de Beixalís. Debuting in the Vuelta calendar in 2015, the Beixalís climb offers narrow, steep ramps designed to shatter the main group. From its summit, the course drops toward Aldosa and Ordino before initiating the third major ascent of the day: the Coll d’Ordino. Riders then sweep down toward Canillo and Escaldes-Engordany.
The Final Ascent and General Classification Stakes
The closing kilometers force the surviving contenders up the Alto de La Comella, a third-category test featuring ramps exceeding 11%, located 4.8 kilometers from the finish line. Official route schedules indicate a brief four-kilometer descent from the Comella summit back to Tarragona Avenue in Andorra la Vella, where the stage winner is projected to cross the line.
With over 58,000 meters of accumulated positive elevation gain distributed across the 21-stage race starting from Monaco and concluding in Granada, Stage 4 provides the first major mountain selection for riders seeking to cement their standing in the general classification.
How to Follow the Race
Live television coverage and real-time updates are available through international sports broadcasters, including Eurosport, while official timing splits, intermediate sprint updates, and route metrics are tracked live on La Vuelta’s official portal.
