INTRO
Stage 9 is the first true mountain test of the 2026 Vuelta, running 187.4 km from La Vila Joiosa on the Costa Blanca coast inland to a summit finish atop Alto de Aitana. The route strings together five categorized climbs before the decisive final ascent — a brutal 22 km grind averaging 5.8% with over 1,260 meters of elevation gain. The Cat. 1 Miserat climb at km 74 (5.2 km at 10%) is likely to shred the peloton well before the finale, setting up a day that should produce real gaps in the general classification.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The road tilts upward almost immediately after the flat coastal opener, with five categorized climbs packed into the middle and closing portions of the stage. Puerto de Tárbena (Cat. 2, 7.2 km at 5.4%) and the brutal Cat. 1 Miserat (5.2 km at 10%) come in quick succession before halfway, followed by Tollos, Puerto de Tudons, and Puerto de Benifallim — a relentless rhythm of short, sharp ascents. The stage is capped by the Alto de Aitana summit finish, 22 km at 5.8% with 1,264 meters of climbing, a true selective mountain-top test.
The route winds through the hilly interior of Alicante province on narrow, twisting mountain roads connecting small villages like Tárbena, Alcalá de la Jovada, and Sella. Surfaces are generally good but roads narrow considerably in the villages and on the climbs themselves, with sharp switchbacks and minimal shoulder. The Miserat and Aitana ascents in particular have exposed sections with limited guardrails — caution is warranted on descents. Parking is easiest in La Vila Joiosa near the coast; village parking along the route is limited.
A compact crank with a wide-range cassette (11-32 or larger) is strongly recommended given the repeated double-digit gradients, especially the 10% average on Miserat and the sustained grind up Aitana. This is not a day for standard gearing — riders who show up under-geared will suffer badly on the steeper pitches. A climbing-focused setup with lightweight wheels will pay dividends over nearly 4,000 meters of total elevation gain.
La Vila Joiosa is a short drive or train ride from Alicante, which has the nearest major airport and good connections throughout the region. The Costa Blanca coast offers plenty of lodging options near the start, while the interior villages along the route — Tárbena, Parcent, Sella — make for scenic detours if you have extra time. Alto de Aitana itself is a popular climb among local cyclists year-round, so expect good road quality and occasional company on the ascent outside of race days.
ROUTE MAP
