Four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar has confirmed there are strong possibilities he will ride the 2026 Vuelta a España, with the race's patron, Prince Albert II of Monaco, saying on Instagram that the Slovenian would be on the start line. UAE Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti, however, cautioned that nothing is yet decided regarding Pogacar's plans.
The 81st Vuelta starts in Monaco on August 22 and finishes in Granada on September 13. Pogacar has raced the Spanish grand tour only once, finishing third overall in 2019.
The speculation comes as Pogacar reinforced his yellow jersey grip on the Tour de France, winning stage 14 at Le Markstein to extend his lead over Jonas Vingegaard to four minutes and 30 seconds. That marks his fourth stage victory of the 2026 race.