La Vuelta returned to Calar Alto for the first time in nine years, leaving the general classification wide open on the Andalusian summit. Riders faced five mountain climbs, finishing with a tough ascent to the observatory at 2,100 meters. The stage put Enric Mas under pressure from Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall.
Mas started Stage 12 in Movistar’s leader’s jersey, with a slim advantage over Roglic (Red Bull) and Gall (Decathlon). Both rivals were just over a minute behind and viewed the final climbs as their best chance to put him under pressure. The Alto de Velefique set the tone for the decisive finish at Calar Alto.
The official start was scheduled for 13:07 local time. Live television coverage was set to begin at 12:40 on Teledeporte, La 1, and RTVE Play.
The 166.6-kilometer route from Vera offered little relief. Each climb tested the riders’ legs and tactics, particularly the last two first-category ascents. Calar Alto’s return brought back memories of past winners such as Roberto Heras, Igor Antón, and Miguel Ángel López. The official race profile listed five categorized climbs: Alto del Cabecico, Alto de Cóbdar, Collado García, Alto de Velefique, and the summit finish at Calar Alto. Total elevation gain was about 4,500 to 4,570 meters.
Televisión Española and RTVE Play broadcast the stage live, with Carlos de Andrés and Perico Delgado on commentary. Radio Nacional de España and TDP Noticias provided updates for listeners. Teledeporte’s social media channels shared interviews and highlights. Spanish sports outlets noted that Calar Alto had been absent from La Vuelta for nearly a decade.
Calar Alto’s altitude and unpredictable weather have often changed the race’s outcome. Organizers brought the summit back in 2026 to add uncertainty and drama to the second week. As reported earlier, Spanish sporting events this season have been full of high-stakes moments, and Stage 12 fit that pattern.
Official race communications said Jakob Omrzel claimed victory on Stage 12, while Enric Mas further consolidated his lead in the red jersey atop Calar Alto. Race updates said Mas had taken the overall lead after Stage 8, while Roglic and Gall trailed by minutes rather than seconds after Stage 7.
Andalusia’s mountains have always tested La Vuelta’s best. The finish at Calar Alto, known for both breakthroughs and collapses, kept the general classification in play deep into the race. With Mas under pressure from Roglic and Gall, Stage 12 could shape the rest of the tour. In La Vuelta, no leader’s advantage is safe until Madrid.
