Tadej Pogačar is set to target his first Vuelta a España title during the 2026 edition of the race [1, 4].
Winning the Vuelta would allow the UAE Team Emirates rider to complete the set of all three Grand Tours. This achievement would solidify his place in cycling history by adding a Spanish title to a palmarès that already includes five Tour de France victories [2].
Analysts said Pogačar is returning to the race that launched his Grand Tour career to prove his dominance across different terrains. While he has found immense success in France, the Vuelta presents a unique challenge that he has yet to conquer [2, 3].
Reports from earlier this month indicated there were 23 days remaining until the start of the event [5]. While some reports suggest the race may start in Monaco, other sources maintain the event's traditional Spanish focus [5, 6].
Confirmation of Pogačar's participation has been a point of contention among reporting outlets. Some sources said his presence was unknown, while others said he has confirmed he will race [5, 6].
Supporting Pogačar will be teammates Brent Bookwalter and Teejay van Garderen as they navigate the 2026 route [1]. The pursuit of the red jersey represents the final piece of a puzzle for a rider who has already dominated the sport's most prestigious stages [2].
“Pogačar is set to target his first Vuelta a España title during the 2026 edition of the race.”
A victory at the Vuelta a España would grant Pogačar the rare distinction of winning all three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta a España. Completing this trio is one of the most difficult feats in professional cycling and would move him into an elite group of riders who have mastered the distinct tactical and geographical demands of each major three-week race.
