Stage 2 of the 2026 Vuelta a Burgos covers 178 km from Arcos de la Llana to Pineda de la Sierra, a classic hilly finish in the hills of Castilla y León. The uphill summit finale will naturally thin out the peloton and reward pure climbers and punchy hill specialists over sprinters. Several teams are using the race as final preparation for La Vuelta a España, ensuring a high-quality and competitive field.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Oscar Onley stands alone as the top favorite by virtue of his 78 Hills rating, 79 Climbing score, and the backing of a strong INEOS Grenadiers squad. He has demonstrated top-10 capability in similar-profile races recently, and with no other race immediately ahead, Burgos appears to be a key target.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Oscar Onley tops the Hills stat at 78 alongside elite Climbing (79) and has shown recent top-10 form in similar-profile races. INEOS Grenadiers will have the team strength to support his ambitions on the Pineda de la Sierra finish.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Enric Mas and Mikel Landa are the two most compelling challengers, both recording Hills scores of 78 and 77 respectively alongside Climbing ratings of 79. Both are sharpening their form for La Vuelta, which means they arrive with purpose and motivation to perform at this level of competition.
Movistar
Movistar
Enric Mas matches Onley's Hills rating of 78 with a superior Climbing score of 79, and he is using this race as Vuelta a España preparation, meaning he arrives in sharp condition. His experience on Spanish terrain makes him a genuine podium threat.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa brings a Hills score of 77 and Climbing of 79, making him one of the best pure climbers in the field. Although his recent form average of 30.7 is modest, he is confirmed for La Vuelta prep mode and historically elevates his performance at this race.
★★
Dark Horses
Giulio Ciccone, Felix Gall, and Carlos Rodríguez all sit in the 76–78 Hills range and bring deep climbing pedigree to the table. Gall's Climbing rating of 79 is particularly notable, while Rodríguez gives INEOS a second protected option that could prove decisive if Onley has a difficult day.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Carlos Rodríguez holds a Hills score of 76 with a Climbing rating of 77 and has recorded two top-10 finishes in similar-profile races during the last 90 days. He is a key card for INEOS alongside Onley, and either rider could be the team's protected leader depending on early race dynamics.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Felix Gall carries a Hills score of 77 backed by an excellent Climbing rating of 79, making him ideally suited to the Pineda de la Sierra finish. Confirmed for La Vuelta, he will be motivated to build form and confidence here.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Giulio Ciccone posts a Hills rating of 78 and is an established performer on hilly finishes, with a strong all-round profile including a Sprint of 68. He arrives focused on Burgos ahead of the Canadian classics and cannot be overlooked.
★
Ones to Watch
Thibau Nys brings a surprise Hills rating of 78 and real upside, while Ben Tulett has recent podium form in similar races. Pello Bilbao and Daniel Felipe Martínez add experience and TT-backed power that could make them dangerous on the final climb if the race comes down to a hard-tempo selection.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Ben Tulett has a Hills score of 76 and recorded a podium finish in similar-profile races in the last 90 days with an average position of 27.0 across four races. Confirmed for La Vuelta and Il Lombardia, he is building toward a strong autumn.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Daniel Felipe Martínez carries a Hills score of 76 and an outstanding TT rating of 74, useful for a hilly finish that rewards riders who can sustain high tempo. Confirmed for Burgos specifically, he is likely targeting a strong result here.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Pello Bilbao rates at Hills 77 with the best TT score (73) among the top hills riders, giving him an advantage if the stage demands sustained power efforts. His experience on Spanish roads and Bahrain team support make him a credible dark-horse pick.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Thibau Nys matches the top Hills rating of 78 and offers a well-rounded profile with a Sprint of 70, making him dangerous if the finish comes down to a small group. His confirmed Vuelta start suggests he is in a good block of racing fitness.
Verdict
Oscar Onley is the top favorite, combining the highest Hills rating with elite Climbing stats and INEOS Grenadiers' team depth behind him. Enric Mas and Mikel Landa are the most dangerous challengers, both capable of matching him on a summit finish.