Tadej Pogačar will start the Vuelta a España in 2026, marking his return to the Spanish grand tour for the first time since 2019, when he finished third overall and won three stage victories on his only previous appearance.
The Slovenian rider, who competes for UAE Team Emirates, is chasing the one grand tour still missing from his career record. He has already won the Giro d'Italia and five Tour de France titles, making the Vuelta the final step toward completing the set.
Pogačar said his return to the Spanish race would mean closing the circle of the three grand tours. His 2019 debut marked the start of his rise to the top of world cycling, and he now returns as one of the greatest riders in the sport's history.
Route from Monaco to Granada
The 2026 edition begins on August 22 in Monaco, where Pogačar lives. The route will cross France, Andorra and Spain before finishing in Granada, with a course designed to suit strong climbers and general classification contenders.
Organizers say Pogačar's presence gives a major boost to the Vuelta, bringing the sport's leading figure to a race that aims to gather the best riders in the world for what is billed as a special edition.
Favorite for the red jersey
Pogačar arrives at the Vuelta after a season in which he has again dominated the sport's biggest races. He is considered the outright favorite to wear the leader's red jersey when the race finishes in Madrid.
His return also carries an emotional element. It was at the Vuelta that many fans first discovered the talent of the young rider who has since become one of modern cycling's leading figures.
With his participation now confirmed, the Vuelta a España 2026 secures one of world sport's biggest names, as Pogačar looks to add another chapter to a record already regarded as historic.
