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In pictures: La Vuelta’s historic Grand Départ in Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
24/08/2026

La Vuelta took over the Principality from 20 to 23 August as Monaco welcomed the Spanish Grand Tour for the first time, with celebrations, activations and two stages unfolding across some of the country’s most iconic locations.

The historic Grand Départ added another milestone to Monaco’s rich sporting history, with the Principality now having welcomed all three of cycling’s Grand Tours following the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and Tour de France in 2009, and becoming the first city-state to do so. From the opening celebrations in Casino Square to the final departure from the Prince’s Palace, Monaco Life looks back at the historic weekend in photos.

The weekend began in Casino Square on Thursday evening, where all 23 teams were officially presented ahead of the first stage. Among them was Tadej Pogačar, who would go on to leave Monaco wearing La Vuelta’s red jersey.

Prince Albert II joined crowds in Casino Square for the opening celebrations, welcoming the riders to the Principality ahead of a historic weekend of racing.

On Saturday, attention returned to Casino Square as the ribbon was cut to officially launch Stage 1, an individual time trial entirely within Monaco.

With less than ten kilometers separating the start and finish, every fraction of a second counted as riders raced against the clock through the streets of the Principality.

Pogačar ultimately claimed the first victory of La Vuelta 2026, beating Ethan Hayter by just 0.09 seconds. The Slovenian celebrated his Stage 1 victory alongside Prince Albert II after taking the lead in the general classification.

Sunday began at the Prince’s Palace with the “Ride for Peace”, bringing together La Vuelta Peace and Sport, alongside former professional cyclists and sporting figures, to promote the role of sport in fostering unity and peace.

The full peloton assembled in Palace Square for the official Stage 2 ceremony, preparing for the 214.3-kilometer journey from Monaco to Manosque.

With Prince Albert II among those marking the occasion, the ceremony brought Monaco’s historic Grand Départ weekend to its final moments.

The peloton then rolled away from the Prince’s Palace, bringing four days of La Vuelta festivities in Monaco to a close as the race continued towards Spain.

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All photo credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

La Vuelta bids farewell to Monaco as Brennan claims Stage 2 victory

by: Kayla Sauceda
24/08/2026

The second stage of La Vuelta closed out the festivities in the Principality as riders began their journey from Monaco to Manosque on Sunday 23 August. James Matthew Brennan claimed the Stage 2 victory, followed by Pau Miquel Delgado and Tadej Pogačar.

Before Stage 2 began, a crowd gathered at the Prince’s Palace for the “Ride for Peace”, co-hosted by La Vuelta and Peace and Sport as part of their ongoing partnership to promote the role of sport in promotion of unity and peace. The initiative brought together former professional cyclists Alexandre Vinokourov, Stephen Roche, and Fabio Aru, alongside sporting figures including Antoine Zeghdar, Maxime Nocher, Marlène Nidecker and more.

Shortly after, La Vuelta riders gathered at the Prince’s Palace for the official ceremony marking the start of Stage 2 and the 214.3-kilometer journey from Monaco to Manosque.

Following his Stage 1 victory in the Principality, Pogačar entered the second stage wearing the red jersey with just 0.09 seconds separating him from Ethan Hayter. The British cyclist challenged his lead after picking up six bonus seconds at an intermediate sprint, but Pogačar’s third-place finish ultimately saw the Slovenian maintain his position at the top of the general classification and retaining the red jersey.

Meanwhile, Brennan’s victory marked a milestone in his first Grand Tour, with the 21-year-old claiming his first stage win at this level.

With Stage 2 complete, La Vuelta officially concluded its first-ever Grand Départ from the Principality, adding the race to Monaco’s history of hosting cycling’s three Grand Tours alongside the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.

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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Pogačar wins La Vuelta Stage 1 by 0.09 seconds in Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
23/08/2026

Saturday 22nd August saw Stage 1 of La Vuelta take over the Principality, transforming Monaco’s iconic landmarks including Casino Square, Port Hercule, Fontvieille and Larvotto into the backdrop for the opening race. Prince Albert II joined the opening moments, cutting the ribbon to officially set the race underway.

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar found victory on home roads, as he completed the 9.4-kilometre individual time trial in 10 minutes and 57 seconds, only 0.09 seconds ahead of Ethan Hayter.

“I think I gained that 0.09 second when we passed in front of my apartment, because that was the most technical part of the course,” said the Monaco local. “I walk and cycle there every day.”

With only a fraction of a second separating the two riders, Pogačar’s familiarity with the streets of Monaco may have made all the difference.

Joshua Tarling completed the time trial in third, four seconds behind Hayter. The finish comes just over a week after his brother Finlay Tarling tragically passed away in an accident while racing the Volta a Portugal.

For Pogačar, this victory gives him the first leader’s jersey of the race during his first appearance at La Vuelta since 2019.

Wearing the leader’s jersey heading into Stage 2, Pogačar now begins his pursuit of another piece of cycling history. Victory at La Vuelta would make him only the ninth rider to have won all three Grand Tours in his career. Following his fifth Tour de France win earlier this year and his Giro d’Italia victory in 2024, the Slovenian is considered a leading favourite for this race.

Stage 2 on Sunday 23rd August sees riders tackle the 214.3-kilometre route from Monaco to Manosque, France, the longest stage of this year’s race. The 81st edition of La Vuelta will continue across Spain before coming to a close on 13th September.

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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier

La Vuelta kicks off in Monaco with team presentation in Casino Square

by: Kayla Sauceda
21/08/2026

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 9.4-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

Matthis Abline and Mathys Detourbet Meet Fans at AS Monaco Summer Village

by: Kayla Sauceda
05/08/2026

AS Monaco’s newest arrivals – Matthis Abline and Mathys Detourbet – met fans at the AS Monaco Summer Village on Monday during an autograph session at Port Hercule.

More than 100 fans attended the event, lining up for the opportunity to collect signatures, take photos, and welcome the duo to the Principality. The appearance followed last week’s meet and greet with fellow summer signing Flávio Nazinho.

French striker Matthis Abline recently joined AS Monaco on a five-year contract, while Mathys Detourbet arrived on loan from Premier League club Manchester City for the 2026–27 season.

The AS Monaco Summer Village remains open daily at Port Hercule until 9 August from 4pm to 10:30pm. Visitors can enjoy a range of football-themed activities, including interactive games and family entertainment. The program continues on Wednesday 5 August with a 18+ 3v3 tournament beginning at 7pm.

Beyond the player appearances, the Summer Village continues to bring supporters together throughout the summer, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to connect with the club through a mix of football activities, competitions, and community events.

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Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Fans meet Flávio Nazinho at AS Monaco Summer Village in Port Hercule

by: Kayla Sauceda
29/07/2026

The AS Monaco Summer Village welcomed one of its first major events on Monday 27th July as new signing Flávio Nazinho met fans during an autograph session at Port Hercule.

Families and young supporters gathered to meet the Portuguese footballer, taking the opportunity to receive autographs and take photos with him. While waiting for Nazinho’s arrival, fans took part in AS Monaco trivia and interactive games, with some children winning prizes and meeting the club’s mascot, Bouba.

The AS Monaco Summer Village at Port Hercule offers football-themed activities, games and family entertainment through 9 August.

Away from the autograph session, the Summer Village continues to offer a range of football-themed activities, including human foosball, precision contests on a giant target, and a mini football pitch. The on-site pop-up shop also gives fans the opportunity to browse the club’s official merchandise. Donations are also being accepted following last year’s successful initiative to benefit Les Enfants de Frankie, with school supplies being collected and donated to families in need.

The next event at the Summer Village will see a 4v4 football tournament for 12 to 15-year-olds take place on 29th July from 6pm. The Summer Village runs until 9th August and is open daily from 4pm to 10:30pm, with additional activities and surprises planned throughout the event.

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Photos by Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life