Stage 1 of the 2026 Vuelta a Burgos covers 165 km from Gumiel de Izán and finishes atop the Alto del Castillo, a classic hilltop finish that rewards pure climbers and punchy all-rounders alike. As a 2.Pro race opener, it typically sees teams using the day to test legs ahead of the full five-stage battle, yet the summit finish ensures GC riders cannot afford to lose time from the gun. The field is stacked with riders pointing toward the Vuelta a España, guaranteeing a high-intensity race from the final kilometres.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Oscar Onley leads all contenders with a Hills stat of 78 and Climbing of 79, backed by INEOS Grenadiers' proven ability to control races for their leaders. He arrives at Burgos as his sole listed upcoming race, suggesting full commitment to performing here.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Oscar Onley tops the hills stat at 78 alongside elite climbing ability (79), and despite modest recent form numbers his appearances in hilly races show consistency with a top-10 in similar profiles. INEOS Grenadiers will organize around him as their protected leader for this opener.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Enric Mas and Mikel Landa both carry Climbing stats of 79 — the joint highest in the field — and are using Burgos as a Vuelta a España tune-up. Either could seize the stage win if the final climb fragments the lead group, and both have the pedigree to finish on the podium.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas matches Onley's Hills rating of 78 with the highest Climbing stat in the field at 79, making him a natural contender for any uphill finish. He arrives primed for Vuelta a España preparation and will treat this Burgos opener as a key test.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa carries a Hills stat of 77 and a Climbing score of 79, giving him elite pedigree for a hilltop finish like Alto del Castillo. Although recent similar-profile form averages 30.7 over only three races, his class on punchy ascents remains undeniable.
★★
Dark Horses
Felix Gall, Giulio Ciccone, and Carlos Rodríguez all sit in the Hills 76–78 band with strong climbing numbers and team backing. Gall and Ciccone especially are capable of winning a hilltop stage when conditions suit a reduced front group, while Rodríguez adds INEOS depth alongside Onley.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Carlos Rodríguez carries Hills 76 and Climbing 77 with seven recent similar-profile races and two top-10 finishes, showing steady if unspectacular hilly form. He heads to Burgos as a Vuelta a España build-up, which means INEOS will give him latitude to race freely.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Felix Gall posts Hills 77 and Climbing 79, pairing top-end stats with the motivation of using Burgos as Vuelta a España preparation. He is a quiet danger on short steep finishes and his Decathlon CMA CGM squad will support an ambitious early race move.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Giulio Ciccone holds a Hills rating of 78 and is a confirmed Vuelta a Burgos starter, suggesting the Lidl-Trek team is deploying him in full race mode. His aggressive style suits hilltop sprint finishes and he will be dangerous if the front group stays small.
★
Ones to Watch
Ben Tulett brings the best recent similar-profile form of this group with a podium and two top-10s, while Pello Bilbao and Clément Champoussin add experienced wildcards who thrive on Spanish climbs. Jay Vine is the long-shot, whose extraordinary time-trial power could translate into a solo effort on the final ascent.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Ben Tulett rates Hills 76 with a podium and two top-10s from four recent similar-profile outings, and his average of 27.0 reflects competitive presence without a breakthrough win yet. He is a dark-horse threat who thrives in punchy hilly racing and Visma will back him tactically.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Clément Champoussin sits at Hills 77 for XDS Astana and is confirmed heading to both Burgos and the Vuelta, indicating top form. He is capable of aggressive breakaway moves on hilltop finishes and represents solid value as an outside pick.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Jay Vine carries Hills 76 and an exceptional TT score of 80, making him a threat if the stage evolves into a time-trial-style effort on the final climb. His two recent similar-profile races average 30.0 with no top finishes, but his raw power makes him dangerous on the right day.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Pello Bilbao holds Hills 77 with a strong TT score of 73 giving him an all-round edge on demanding stages. The Bahrain Victorious veteran knows Spanish roads intimately and could animate the race from afar with an early move.
Verdict
Oscar Onley is the top favourite, combining an elite Hills rating with INEOS Grenadiers' team support and a clear leader's role, while Enric Mas and Mikel Landa offer the strongest statistical challenge from their respective squads.