WHS alumnus Reuben Thompson (class of 2018) is back from a lengthy injury lay-off and ready to line up alongside his Lotto–Intermarché teammates in the 2026 Vuelta a España — cycling's toughest Grand Tour.

The route is brutal: 3,275 kilometres across 21 stages from Monaco to Granada, Spain. Created in 1935, La Vuelta is the youngest of cycling's three Grand Tours, but it more than makes up for it with punishing summit finishes, savage walls, and gradients that leave even professionals gasping — a stark contrast to its more measured cousins in France and Italy. Of the 184 riders taking on the challenge, 9 are Kiwis, spread across 5 of the 23 teams.

The 2026 Vuelta rolled out on 22 August and races on until 13 September.

In Apri of this year, Reuben clawed his way into the top ten at Itzulia Basque Country — a race famous for its short, savage climbs, some tipping past 20% gradient.

Between that result and now La Vuelta, Reuben is proving the school motto "Ad Alta" is more than just words stitched onto a blazer.

Learn more about Reuben and team Lotto-Intermarché

Follow Along and See Results from the 2026 Vuelta a España Grand Tour