Tadej Pogacar will ride the Vuelta a Espana for the first time in his career, as his team UAE Team Emirates confirmed the Slovenian will compete in the Spanish Grand Tour in an attempt to become the first rider in the modern era to win all three Grand Tours in a single season.
The 27-year-old, who has already won the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France this year, will line up for the Vuelta, which starts on August 23 in Lisbon, Portugal, and concludes on September 14 in Madrid. The announcement ends months of speculation about whether Pogacar would extend his season to target the treble.
Historic treble attempt
If Pogacar wins the Vuelta, he would become the first rider since the modern Grand Tour era began in 1989 to win all three races in the same calendar year. The only rider to have achieved the treble was Eddy Merckx in 1974, but he did so when the Vuelta was held earlier in the season.
Pogacar's participation adds to an already remarkable season. He won the Giro d'Italia in May with a commanding performance, taking four stage victories. He then went on to win the Tour de France in July, his third Tour title, with a dominant display that included three stage wins and a decisive attack in the Alps.
Team confirmation and rider's ambition
UAE Team Emirates confirmed the news in a statement on their website, saying: "Tadej Pogacar will ride the Vuelta a Espana for the first time in his career. The Slovenian will aim to make history by winning all three Grand Tours in a single season."
Pogacar himself said in the statement: "I am excited to take on the Vuelta. It's a race I have always wanted to ride, and to have the chance to make history is a huge motivation. I know it will be tough, especially after a long season, but I am ready to give it my best."
Race route and challenges
The 2026 Vuelta a Espana features 21 stages and 3,200 kilometers of racing, with a challenging route that includes nine summit finishes, two individual time trials, and a team time trial on stage 1. The race is expected to suit climbers, with the Alto de l'Angliru featuring on stage 17 and the Lagos de Covadonga on stage 20.
Pogacar will face strong competition from the likes of Primoz Roglic, who has won the Vuelta three times, and Remco Evenepoel, who is making his Vuelta debut. However, Pogacar's form and versatility make him the favorite in the eyes of many observers.
Impact on the season and cycling history
Pogacar's decision to ride the Vuelta has a significant impact on the cycling calendar. It means he will skip the World Championships in Montreal, which take place in late September, to focus on the Spanish race. His participation also adds to the excitement of the Vuelta, which has often been overshadowed by the Tour de France.
If Pogacar wins, he would join an exclusive club of riders who have won the Vuelta, and his treble would be considered one of the greatest achievements in cycling history. The last rider to win the Giro and Tour in the same year was Marco Pantani in 1998, but Pantani did not compete in the Vuelta.
Reactions from the cycling world
The news has been met with enthusiasm from cycling fans and experts. Former Vuelta winner Alberto Contador said on social media: "Pogacar is a phenomenon. If he wins the Vuelta, it will be a historic moment for our sport. I can't wait to see him race in Spain."
UAE Team Emirates' sports director, Joxean Matxin, said: "We have planned Tadej's season carefully, and the Vuelta has always been part of the plan. He is in great shape, and we believe he can achieve something special."
The Vuelta is scheduled to start on August 23, with a team time trial in Lisbon. The race will feature 22 teams and 176 riders, with the final stage in Madrid on September 14.
