Pogačar Keeps The Vuelta Waiting As His Decision Draws Near

Tadej Pogačar has prolonged the suspense over his participation in the 2026 Vuelta a España. After winning a celebratory criterium in his home town of Komenda, the five-time Tour de France champion indicated that an update would arrive on Monday, but UAE Team Emirates-XRG has not yet issued an official confirmation.

The possibility has gained strength since the Tour ended. Reports from several media outlets suggest that Pogačar and his team have already discussed the plan and that his presence is considered increasingly likely. However, until the rider or UAE publishes a definitive decision, his place on the Monaco start line must still be treated as unconfirmed.

The sporting attraction is obvious. Pogačar won the Giro d'Italia in 2024 and has just added a fifth Tour title, but the Vuelta remains the only Grand Tour missing from his record. Victory in Spain would make him the ninth male rider to win all three Grand Tours during his career.

He has raced the Vuelta only once. In 2019, during his first professional season, the Slovenian won three stages and finished third overall. Seven years later he would return as the clear favourite, although the fatigue accumulated during a demanding Tour and the short recovery period would add uncertainty to the challenge.

The 2026 Vuelta begins on August 22 with a nine-kilometre time trial in Monaco, where Pogačar lives. That unusually convenient start and the historic opportunity both favour his participation. For now, expectations continue to rise, but the decisive piece is still missing: the official announcement.