The 2010 Vuelta a España was held from 28 August to 19 September and was won by Vincenzo Nibali.

[2] Vuelta runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera and Xacobeo–Galicia teammate David García Dapena were announced on September 30 to have given positive tests for hydroxyethyl starch during the race,[3] a substance which is known as a masking agent for erythropoietin (EPO).

[4] All results from Mosquera after 12 September (stage 15) were annulled, which caused him to lose his second place.

[6] Sixteen teams were automatically selected due to previous agreements and there were six wildcard places.

For the general classification, calculated by adding the finishing times of the stages per cyclist after deduction of time bonuses for high placings in stage finishes and at intermediate sprints, the leader received a red jersey.

Each climb was categorized, either first, second, third or "special" category, the last of which is equivalent to the Hors catégorie rating used in races such as the Tour de France.