Professional sprinters to miss 2026 Vuelta a España

Vuelta a España professional cycling sprinters Soudal Quick-Step Alpecin-Premier Tech

Several prominent professional sprinters will miss the 2026 Vuelta a España due to recovery concerns and the demanding nature of the race course.

Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Premier Tech will not participate, a decision driven by the short recovery window of less than four weeks following the Tour de France. Manager Christoph Roodhooft noted that the physical and mental toll of a three-week Grand Tour is difficult for sprinters to overcome in such a short timeframe.

Similarly, Soudal Quick-Step will be without Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier. CEO Jurgen Foré explained that a second Grand Tour in a single season would be too taxing for the young Magnier. For Merlier, the decision is based on the course profile, which is expected to be one of the heaviest editions ever, making it unsuitable for a pure sprinter.

Sources

The 5 riders who could exploit a Tadej Pogacar mistake to win the 2026 Vuelta a España [cyclinguptodate.com]

12 days ago

Dit is de reden waarom Jasper Philipsen past voor de Vuelta [www.redactie24.be]

14 days ago

Foré legt uit waarom Magnier en Merlier de Vuelta niet rijden [www.wielerkrant.be]

14 days ago