Tadej Pogačar to ride 2026 Vuelta a España, aiming to complete Grand Tour triple
Five-time Tour de France winner returns to race for first time since 2019 for UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, will participate in the 2026 Vuelta a España, according to UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The 27-year-old Slovenian cyclist, who won his fifth Tour de France title earlier this year, will make his first appearance at the Spanish Grand Tour since 2019 when he finished third. Only three riders have accomplished the feat of winning both the Tour and Vuelta in the same year: Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome.
On social media, UAE Team Emirates shared the news, stating, "It’s true - he’s coming back. Tadej Pogačar to La Vuelta, confirmed." The Slovenian will be accompanied by a strong team containing João Almeida, Domen Novak, Ivo Oliveira, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, and Jay Vine. The Vuelta begins on Saturday 22 August in Monaco and passes through the south of Spain in Andalusia before culminating in Granada.
Pogačar expressed his excitement about returning to the Vuelta, reflecting on his first Grand Tour experience there in 2019 and the country's appeal. He emphasized his motivation to conclude the year on a high note and the Vuelta's significance as a major target. The team is optimistic about delivering strong performances during the race.
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