Dunbar tackles Vuelta months after being hit by motorbike

Eddie Dunbar, a native of Banteer, County Cork, is eagerly anticipating the start of the Vuelta a Espana in his adopted hometown of Monaco on Saturday. Over the next three weeks, the riders will traverse terrain in Monaco, France, and Andorra before arriving in Spain on day five. For Dunbar, this Vuelta holds special significance as it follows an ankle injury sustained in March when he was hit by a scooter while riding a city bike around Monaco's streets, sidelining him from the Tour de France.

He expressed his relief at returning in time for this, the final grand tour of 2026, stating that the focus is now solely on the Vuelta.

The accident occurred while Dunbar and his girlfriend, Niamh, were out, marking a birthday celebration. Despite the setback, he emphasized that the injury has healed, and now he is solely focused on the Vuelta. The Pinarello Q36.5 team rider, who turns 30 during the race, has previously achieved success in the Vuelta, securing two stage wins in 2024.

However, he remains cautious about repeating those achievements, acknowledging the challenges he has faced in the lead-up to the race, including the hot weather forecasted for the latter weeks.

Dunbar outlined his goals for the Vuelta, emphasizing that merely completing the three weeks would be a significant accomplishment, especially after his demanding season. He also highlighted the mental boost he received from his 2024 victories, noting that winning two stages in different styles provided a considerable mental uplift.

Additionally, starting the Vuelta so close to his home in Monaco has added an extra layer of motivation, as he knows the course well and will be able to reconnoiter it thoroughly before the race officially begins.