If it were up to Steven Kruijswijk, he would participate in the Vuelta a España in his farewell year. For the Dutch veteran, there is an extra reason to join the three-week race: the Vuelta starts with a time trial in Monaco, just a stone’s throw from where Kruijswijk lives.
For the now 38-year-old Kruijswijk, it could be a special Vuelta, as he lives right next to the time trial course of the very first stage. "It’s rare for a Grand Tour to literally start on your doorstep, so it would be very special for me to race on these roads that I know so well," he says on his team's website.
"It’s truly something big to experience. Generally, the Vuelta is a race that suits me. As a climber, the race has always suited me well, and it is somewhat less stressful than the Tour de France. I hope to be at the start in August," he openly shares his Vuelta ambitions.
After the route presentation, Kruijswijk also knows what else to expect. "The route looks very challenging. There is a lot of climbing already in the first week, and it just continues like that. I’ve raced a few Vueltas in my career and I know how tough it can be when we head south in those months," concludes the former fourth-place finisher in the Vuelta a España.
Kruijswijk riding at the front of the peloton - Photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
It was initially thought that 2025 would be Steven Kruijswijk’s last season, but all parties agree that the North Brabant native can still be of great value for another year. The 2026 season will, however, be Kruijswijk’s final one in the pro peloton, multiple sources confide to WielerFlits.
In 2026, the climber will begin his twentieth season (including junior and U23 years) within the team. The Brabant rider was for years one of the leaders in stage races, but nowadays plays an important role as a reliable engine with his experience and endurance, supporting the team leaders in major stage races.
