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Tadej Pogacar aims for Vuelta a España 2026 as race starts in Monaco
The 2026 edition of the Vuelta a España will launch with an unprecedented Grand Depart in Monaco, followed by stages that cross France and Andorra before entering Spain and concluding in Granada. The route includes a mountain stage on the Côte d’Azur and a decisive gravel segment on the sixth stage to Castelló, featuring the unpaved climb of Puerto El Bartolo.
UAE Team Emirates‑XRG confirmed that five‑time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will ride the Vuelta, seeking the only Grand Tour missing from his palmarès after his 2024 Giro win. Pogacar, who has been training on gravel rides around his hometown of Komenda, Slovenia, said the Vuelta is his primary target for the season. Other favourites mentioned include Primož Roglič, João Almeida and Enric Mas, making the race a focal point for the sport’s top riders.
Pogacar’s participation marks his second Vuelta appearance; he previously finished third in 2019. His goal is to win the race and complete the Grand Tour triple, a feat achieved by only a handful of cyclists.
Entities
Enric Mas · Komenda · Maurizio Fondriest · Monaco · Primož Roglič · Puerto El Bartolo · Tadej Pogacar · UAE Team Emirates · UAE Team Emirates‑XRG · Vuelta a España · Vuelta a España 2026
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Vuelta route will pass through France and Andorra before finishing in Granada, Spain. www.1001web.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Primož Roglič is identified as a main rival for the Vuelta a España 2026. www.marca.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tadej Pogacar performed gravel training rides near Komenda, Slovenia, before the Vuelta 2026. www.indeleiderstrui.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tadej Pogacar aims to win the Vuelta a España 2026 to complete his Grand Tour set. www.marca.com · www.elplural.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] João Almeida is also listed among the contenders for the Vuelta a España 2026. www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 Vuelta a España will start with a Grand Depart in Monaco. www.1001web.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Vuelta a España 2026 includes a gravel stage (stage 6 to Castelló) with unpaved sections on the climb of Puerto El Bartolo. www.indeleiderstrui.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] UAE Team Emirates‑XRG confirmed Tadej Pogacar’s participation in the Vuelta a España 2026, his second appearance. www.elplural.com