The grand departure of the 26th Vuelta is being promoted at the Tour de France

Having hosted the start of the Giro in 1966 and organised the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2009, Monaco is set to host the Grand Départ of the 26th Vuelta this coming August. The Principality will once again be buzzing with the excitement of cycling and will become the only city in the world to have hosted the start of all three Grand Tours. The festivities will begin on Thursday 20 August with the traditional team presentation.

The highlight of this four-day event will be the 9.35-kilometre individual time trial, which will start from the Place du Casino on Saturday 22 August.

The route, which runs entirely through the streets of the Principality, will showcase some of Monaco’s most iconic landmarks: Casino Square with the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris, the Moulins district, the Fairmont bend, the Larvotto district, Port Hercule, Port de Fontvieille, the Cirque big top, the Stade Louis II and the finish at the start/finish line of the Formula One Grand Prix.

Another highlight will be the second stage on Sunday 23 August, which will have a ceremonial start from the Place du Palais Princier. The actual start will take place at the Jardin Exotique, from where the riders will set off towards France.

A few weeks ahead of the Grand Départ of the Vuelta 26 from Monaco, and in order to promote this historic event, three vehicles in the colours of the Principality will take part in the Tour de France caravan throughout the three weeks of competition.

The vehicles also carry messages from the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Princess Charlene Foundation, highlighting the Principality's long-standing commitment to ocean preservation.

Indeed, for more than seven centuries, Monaco has maintained a close relationship with the sea. Today, under the impetus of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Monaco is positioning itself as a major player in ocean protection, continuing a historic commitment that dates back to its origins.

Along the route, useful souvenir gifts will be handed out: an 8-page leaflet – made from recycled and recyclable paper – which, via a QR code, showcases the Monaco destination and its key addresses.

It also offers the chance to enter a prize draw to win a two-night stay in the Principality, as well as gift vouchers for all of the Principality's museums.

The red and white cars of the Tour de France caravan © Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication