Vuelta a España 2026 Preview Show | The Race Tadej Pogačar Must Win

The final Grand Tour of the season is here, and all eyes are on Tadej Pogačar. After another dominant year and a fifth Tour de France title, the Slovenian arrives at La Vuelta as the overwhelming favourite to win the only Grand Tour missing from his palmarès. Returning to the race for the first time since his breakthrough ride in 2019, Pogačar has the chance to complete cycling's ultimate set and add yet another chapter to his already legendary career.But if anyone can challenge him, there are no shortage of contenders. Felix Gall comes in as one of the most dangerous climbers in the peloton and will be targeting the biggest result of his career. Mattias Skjelmose has continued his rise among cycling's elite and possesses the all-round ability needed to survive the brutal mountains and time trials. Meanwhile, four-time Vuelta winner Primož Roglič remains a major question mark. If he starts, and if he finds his best form, few riders understand how to win this race better than the Slovenian veteran. Recent rumours have also linked Florian Lipowitz with a possible appearance, potentially adding another exciting GC contender to the mix.Beyond the battle for the red jersey, the points classification could provide one of the most entertaining rivalries of the race. Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert are expected to go head-to-head across sprints, reduced bunch finishes and even some of the tougher stages. Both riders can score points almost anywhere, setting up a fascinating duel that could last all the way to Granada.With a demanding route featuring major mountain stages, steep summit finishes and crucial time trials, the 2026 Vuelta a España promises three weeks of drama. Can anyone stop Pogačar from completing his Grand Tour collection, or will a new challenger emerge to deny cycling's biggest star?