Riders of the 2026 Vuelta a España
The favourites, climbers and attackers who light up the 2026 Vuelta a España. Which one suits you best?
🇸🇮 Tadej Pogačar
The debutant
UAE Team Emirates–XRG
After years of speculation, Pogačar finally makes his Vuelta debut. The reigning world champion wants to prove he can bend the third Grand Tour to his will too.
🇵🇹 João Almeida
The methodical leader
UAE Team Emirates–XRG
Consistent, disciplined and in top shape. Almeida has grown into one of the peloton's most reliable GC riders in recent years.
🇸🇮 Primož Roglič
The record chaser
Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe
A four-time Vuelta winner with the best credentials in the field. A fifth title would leave him alone at the top of the record books.
🇬🇧 Ethan Hayter
The time trial king
Soudal Quick-Step
As British time trial champion, Hayter is the rider tasked with cashing in Soudal Quick-Step's chances against the clock. He came within 0.09 seconds of winning the opening time trial in Monaco.
🇪🇸 Enric Mas
The home favourite
Movistar Team
Already a multiple-time Vuelta podium finisher, always roared on by an ecstatic home crowd. This year Mas wants that one final step up.
🇪🇸 Mikel Landa
The eternal climber
Soudal Quick-Step
One of the finest pure climbers of his generation, still chasing that one big result on home soil. The brutal Andalusian mountain stages suit him perfectly.
🇺🇸 Matteo Jorgenson
The versatile attacker
Team Visma–Lease a Bike
Strong against the clock, strong in the mountains and unafraid to race from an early break. Jorgenson can profit from any scenario this Vuelta throws up.
🇺🇸 Sepp Kuss
The domestique with his own dream
Team Visma–Lease a Bike
The 2023 Vuelta winner is back at Team Visma–Lease a Bike alongside team leader Matteo Jorgenson. After a strong Tour, Kuss again has the freedom to race for his own chances.
🇪🇸 Carlos Rodríguez
The Spanish prodigy
Netcompany-Ineos
Still one of Spain's biggest talents, but this year he rides for Netcompany-Ineos in a supporting mountain role, alongside GC leader Oscar Onley. Seizing his own chance the moment it appears remains very much on the table.
🇦🇺 Kaden Groves
The points hunter
Alpecin–Premier Tech
Fast, versatile and a points-classification specialist. With Philipsen and Van der Poel absent, this Vuelta belongs to Groves alone — he's already won seven stages here and taken the points jersey twice.