The Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) is returning to the Basque Country for the first time in 33 years to mark its 66th edition. 

The Spanish cycling race - one of the three grand classics alongside the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia - will cover 21 stages with two finishes in the Basque region.

The Vuelta hasn't stopped in the northern coastal province since 1978, when a time trial in San Sebastian was canceled. This year's stops will be in Vitoria and Bilbao.

A night time trial opens the race Aug. 20 in Benidorm before the traditional finish in the Spanish capital of Madrid on Sept. 11. Along the way, there will be a team time trial in Salamanca and six mountain top finishes.

Vincenzo Nibali of Italy is the defending champion.

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for video highlights from every stage of the 2011 Vuelta a Espana.