2.UWT
Stage 9 · MOUNTAIN
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Stage 9
La Vila Joiosa → Alto de Aitana
Stage 9 is the queen stage of week 1 — 187km from La Vila Joiosa on the Costa Blanca to a Cat-1 summit finish at Alto de Aitana (1558m). The Maritime Alps of Spain's southeast provide a sustained climb; the final selection of week 1 before the rest day.
§ Watch
Watch this stage
⚠️ Spoiler warning: disable autoplay and avoid sidebar recommendations to stay spoiler-free.
§ 01 — The Course
What the stage looks like
Stage 9 is the queen stage of week 1 — 187km from La Vila Joiosa on the Costa Blanca to a Cat-1 summit finish at Alto de Aitana (1558m). The Maritime Alps of Spain's southeast provide a sustained climb; the final selection of week 1 before the rest day.
§ 02 — Key Climbs
Where the stage is decided
1
Alto de Aitana
§ 03 — Storylines
What to follow
- Week-1 queen stage: Cat-1 summit at Alto de Aitana on the Costa Blanca.
- Pre-rest-day intensity: GC riders go all-in on the final stage before recovery.
- Sustained gradient climb: 22km at 4-6% average — pure power-climbers shine.
§ 04 — Viewing Notes
When to tune in
Watch attacks from 8-10km out — Aitana's sustained gradients reward riders willing to go solo early. Pre-rest-day fireworks are the norm.