"We're going to reach impressive speeds"

What does it mean for Monaco to host this grand departure in 2026?

La Vuelta is one of the "three Grand Tours" on the Union Cycliste Internationale (International Cycling Union) calendar alongside the Giro and the Tour de France. Obviously, it's an extraordinary opportunity to host this event.

Why was the Principality an obvious choice to host this grand departure?
Monaco is a sporting city, it always has been, with establishments and members in many sports. I believe there are not many places in the world that can boast having so many licensed athletes.

Can we expect entertainment or highlight moments?

The highlight moments will take place essentially on Thursday evening, since there will be the presentation of La Vuelta. It's a day not to be missed. It's not the sporting side of the event, but rather the presentation part, with all the riders gathered in the centre of Casino Square.

Sportingly, what can we expect in the Principality?

First of all, we have the individual time trial on Saturday, which is over 9 kilometres. Sportingly, there will be action and I think they will all be "going all out", since this event takes place on the first day. The riders will be in shape and all there to win.

But I believe we're going to reach impressive speeds with their aerodynamic bikes, since in the individual time trial, they are different from traditional road bikes.

What are the strategic points of these events in the streets of the Principality?

For the individual time trial, we can obviously mention the start, since this will take place on Casino Square. You can position yourself in front of the Fairmont, which will be a beautiful turn, THE turn of the circuit, like for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

After that, there will also be the turnaround at the end of the beaches (Larvotto), at the Joséphine Baker fountain level. Also worth watching: the transition from Kennedy Avenue to the swimming pool road, where the passage will be in a slight chicane. Then the Rascasse turn.

The riders will then arrive at the Roseraie which they will traverse before crossing the Big Top. They will then turn around the stadium (Louis II), before the finish line. As I said earlier, I think the final will be ultra-fast.

They will then head back to the paddock located on Quai Albert-Ier. Spectators will be able to access, easily and directly, both the riders and the equipment.

Monaco has a long love affair with cycling, with many professionals living there... How do you explain this enthusiasm?

The Principality has the good fortune of having extraordinary weather and a relief nearby that allows them to train practically every day of the year, which is exceptional in a setting that is no less extraordinary. So it's really ideal for someone doing outdoor sport.

Where should you position yourself to get the most out of the event?

The ideal for the spectator is to be at both the start line and the finish line. It's a bit paradoxical since these two points are located roughly 600 metres apart. But you have time to move between the rider's departure and their arrival. And then enjoy the moment.

Otherwise, ideally, you should be rather around Monaco's port where there are several sites and practical viewpoints. From the quay by the way, you're positioned between two tracks: above on one side (swimming pool road) and at the level of the other (Boulevard Albert-Ier). Just like the Formula 1 circuit!
This interview can also be found on the LaVueltaMonaco Instagram account.