Tadej Pogačar to Compete in 2026 Vuelta a España, Aiming for Grand Tour Triple

Tadej Pogačar, a dominant force in professional cycling, is set to make his return to the Vuelta a España in 2026. This announcement follows his recent triumph at the Tour de France, where he clinched his fifth victory. Pogačar's decision to compete in the Spanish Grand Tour marks his first appearance since 2019, where he secured a commendable third-place finish. His ambitious goal is to complete the coveted Grand Tour triple, a feat achieved by only a handful of cycling legends in the same year: Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome.

The 27-year-old Slovenian's participation was officially confirmed by UAE Team Emirates-XRG, generating significant excitement within the cycling community. In a statement released on Monday morning via social media, the team emphasized Pogačar's return, highlighting his previous success and the team's high expectations for the upcoming race. This strategic move aims to conclude the season on a strong note, with Pogačar spearheading a formidable lineup for the final Grand Tour.

Pogačar himself expressed enthusiasm for his comeback to the Vuelta, recalling his positive experience during his debut in 2019. He conveyed his affection for Spain as a racing destination and articulated his high motivation to perform exceptionally well, aiming to cap off the year successfully. He stated, "The motivation is high to finish off the year in a good way and the Vuelta will be a big target. The team is strong and we hope to do good things."

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG roster for the Vuelta a España will feature a strong contingent alongside Pogačar, including João Almeida, Domen Novak, Ivo Oliveira, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, and Jay Vine. The race is scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 22nd, in Monaco, before navigating through three weeks of challenging stages predominantly located in Andalusia, southern Spain, culminating in a grand finale in Granada.

This upcoming Vuelta promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Pogačar's quest for the Grand Tour triple adding an extra layer of anticipation. His formidable track record and the strength of his team position him as a strong contender for overall victory. The cycling world eagerly awaits to see if he can join the elite group of riders who have conquered both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season, solidifying his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.