Prince Albert II stood at the center of an impressive security display outside the Prince’s Palace as Monaco prepared for a history-making international sporting event.
The Monegasque sovereign joined motorcycle officers from Spain’s Guardia Civil in the Palace Square on Friday, August 21, one day before the 2026 Vuelta a España begins in the principality.
© NICOLAS TUCATPhotos shared by the Palace showed Albert walking between two long rows of officers and motorcycles positioned outside the royal residence. The striking display highlighted the enormous security operation being mobilized to protect the cyclists, teams and spectators throughout the competition.
A total of 132 Guardia Civil officers, 59 motorcycles, 28 all-terrain vehicles and one helicopter will accompany La Vuelta during its 3,275-kilometer journey across 21 stages.
© Tim de WaeleThe participating officers come from several specialized divisions of the Guardia Civil. Its Traffic Group’s Mobility and Road Safety Unit will take primary responsibility for protecting the race as it travels through Monaco, France, Andorra and Spain.
An international operation:
During the opening stages in Monaco, the Spanish motorcycle officers will work alongside the principality’s police, particularly the Carabiniers du Prince’s motorcycle platoon.
The collaboration brings together Spanish and Monegasque security forces to manage the large crowds and complex road closures expected during the Grand Départ.
Guardia Civil personnel will later coordinate with France’s National Gendarmerie and the Andorran Police as the competition crosses additional international borders.
© Alexander HassensteinPrince Albert posed with representatives from the participating forces to commemorate their arrival in Monaco. The sovereign wore a navy blazer, white shirt and beige trousers for the outdoor engagement, choosing a relaxed look for the latest event surrounding the race.
The appearance came shortly after Albert welcomed cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar during the official presentation of the participating teams. The Slovenian world champion, who lives in Monaco, will be among the leading athletes competing for the title.
Monaco’s history-making weekend:
The 81st edition of La Vuelta will begin in Monaco on Saturday, August 22, with a 9.4-kilometer individual time trial through the principality.
© Tim de WaeleThe Grand Départ will give Monaco a unique distinction in international cycling. It will become the first location to have hosted the opening stage of all three Grand Tours, following the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009.
The riders will set off near the iconic Monte Carlo Casino before racing through the principality’s streets. Pogačar’s route will even take him past his own Monaco residence as he attempts to win La Vuelta for the first time.
© PIERO CRUCIATTIAfter leaving Monaco, the competition will continue through France, Andorra and Spain before concluding at the Alhambra in Granada on September 13.
While the world’s leading cyclists prepare to take center stage, Prince Albert’s Palace appearance offered a rare look at the extensive international operation working behind the scenes to ensure the historic race runs safely. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed the deployment figures and coordination across the four countries.
