Thursday 20th August marked the official kickoff of La Vuelta in Monaco, as Casino Square welcomed riders, teams, and fans ahead of an exciting weekend of racing in the Principality.

Prince Albert II attended the celebrations, welcoming the 23 teams competing in the 81st edition of La Vuelta and the race’s first-ever Grand Départ from Monaco. The occasion adds another milestone to the Principality’s sporting history, having previously hosted the Grand Départ of the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009.

The evening saw the competing teams take to the stage in Casino Square, with the presentations accompanied by live musical performances, dances, interviews, and entertainment throughout the night. Riders were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd as Monaco prepared for two days of racing through the Principality and beyond.

The action begins on Saturday 22nd August with Stage 1, a 9.6-kilometre individual time trial held entirely within Monaco. Beginning in Casino Square, riders will make their way through some of the Principality’s most recognisable locations, including Larvotto, Port Hercule, and Fontvieille, before finishing on Boulevard Albert I.

Stage 2 follows on Sunday 23 August, beginning with a ceremonial start at Place du Palais Princier before the official start at Jardin Exotique. From there, riders will leave Monaco and head into France on their way to Manosque for a 214.3-kilometer stage, a significant contrast to Saturday’s short individual time trial.

The weekend marks the beginning of three weeks of racing as La Vuelta gets underway in the Principality for the first time.

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Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life