Historic Pyrenean climbs return to the spotlight.
BARCELONA, SPAIN
The 2027 Volta a Catalunya will feature two mountain-top finishes at Espot and La Molina, reinforcing the Pyrenees’ importance in one of professional cycling’s most established stage races. Organizers have confirmed the first major climbing challenges for the 106th edition, scheduled for March 22–28, with Espot returning to the competition for the first time since 1988.
The announcement signals an emphasis on mountain racing, a defining characteristic of the Catalan event and an important factor in determining its overall winner. Both climbs offer distinct challenges, creating opportunities for general classification contenders to test their rivals across different terrain.
Espot represents the principal historical novelty. Located near Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in the Catalan Pyrenees, the ski resort has hosted just two previous stage finishes, in 1979 and 1988. Swiss cyclist Josef Fuchs won the first, while Spain’s Arsenio González claimed victory on the second occasion.
The 2027 ascent will cover 9.8 kilometers at an average gradient of 5.8%, finishing at approximately 1,530 meters above sea level. Although the opening kilometers are comparatively manageable, the final section becomes considerably more demanding, with gradients reaching 10%.
That profile could encourage attacks closer to the summit, particularly if the leading contenders arrive together after the preceding climbs. The combination of sustained climbing and a demanding finish makes Espot a potentially important stage in the battle for the overall classification.
La Molina presents a different challenge. The 10.8-kilometer climb averages 4.5%, but its steepest sections, reaching 14%, occur earlier in the ascent. This configuration may favor aggressive racing from the lower slopes, although the tactical outcome will depend on the complete stage route and the condition of the peloton.
The ski resort, located in the municipality of Alp, has become one of the Volta’s most recognizable mountain destinations. First included as a stage finish in 2014, it will welcome the race for the tenth time in 2027.
Its list of previous winners reflects the caliber of riders attracted by the Catalan event. Joaquim Rodríguez claimed the inaugural victory, followed in subsequent editions by Tejay van Garderen, Dan Martin, Alejandro Valverde, Miguel Ángel López, Ben O’Connor and Remco Evenepoel.
Juan Ayuso secured the most recent finish at La Molina in 2025 after a closely contested battle with Primož Roglič. The Slovenian subsequently responded with victory at Montserrat and went on to win the overall classification, demonstrating how the race’s demanding terrain can produce changes in momentum across consecutive stages.
The announcement also includes an important development for women’s cycling. The fourth edition of the women’s Volta a Catalunya, scheduled for June 18–20, will introduce a mountain-top finish at Vallter for the first time.
Vallter is already a prominent destination in the men’s race, having hosted victories by leading international riders including Nairo Quintana, Adam Yates, Giulio Ciccone and Tadej Pogačar. Its inclusion in the women’s competition marks another step in expanding the race’s mountain challenges.
Previous editions of the women’s event have demonstrated the importance of summit finishes. Marianne Vos won at La Molina in 2024, while Paula Blasi claimed victory there in 2026. Mountain stages have played a decisive role in determining the overall standings, reinforcing the organizers’ decision to introduce another demanding Pyrenean ascent.
The selection of Espot, La Molina and Vallter also reflects cooperation with Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the public company responsible for managing the three mountain resorts. Their participation connects international cycling with regional tourism infrastructure and the promotion of Catalonia’s mountain destinations.
Beyond sporting competition, the events will provide international exposure for the surrounding communities. Professional cycling races generate television coverage and attract visitors, potentially supporting tourism-related businesses and reinforcing the visibility of mountain regions outside their traditional winter season.
The complete 2027 route has not yet been revealed, meaning the precise placement of the two men’s summit finishes within the seven-day competition remains unknown. Their eventual position in the race could significantly influence team strategies and the opportunities available for climbers to challenge the overall leader.
What is already established is that the Pyrenees will again form an essential part of the Volta’s sporting identity. The ret