Mammoth program: Pogacar also starts at the Vuelta

Just over a week after his fifth overall victory at the Tour de France, cycling star Tadej Pogacar has confirmed his participation in the Vuelta.

August 03, 2026

From: dpa

With this victory, the Slovenian world champion aims to close one of the few gaps in his impressive record of success. The three-week Vuelta a España, which begins on August 22nd in Pogacar's adopted home of Monaco, is a race the 27-year-old has yet to win. In his only previous appearance in the race, in 2019, he finished third.

If Pogacar wins the Vuelta, he would be the ninth cyclist to win all three Grand Tours. The last person to achieve this feat was his rival Jonas Vingegaard. In addition to his five Tour de France victories, Pogacar also won the Giro d'Italia in 2024. After the Tour de France, he had left open the possibility of participating in the Vuelta.

All the Grand Tours in one year?

Cycling legend Eddy Merckx believes Pogacar is capable of winning all three Grand Tours in a single season. However, the Slovenian would likely have to compromise on his performance in the major Classics.

The Slovenian won the Tour de France for the fifth time a few days ago. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

After the Vuelta, Pogacar is expected to tackle the World Championships in Canada. The challenging Montreal road course should suit him. It would be his third consecutive World Championship title, a feat last achieved by Slovakian Peter Sagan.

Keywords cycling Return Tadej pogacar