UAE Team Emirates-XRG unveil squad for Vuelta a España

UAE Team Emirates-XRG have confirmed a formidable eight-rider squad for the 2026 Vuelta a España, with Tadej Pogačar returning to the Spanish Grand Tour for the first time since making his three-week race debut there in 2019.

The Slovenian heads a balanced and experienced line-up as the Emirati squad looks to build on the successes of the Tour de France.

Joining Pogačar are João Almeida, Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, Domen Novak and Ivo Oliveira.

The 81st edition of La Vuelta gets underway with an opening individual time trial in Monaco before heading through France and Andorra on its way into Spain. The route is expected to be one of the toughest in recent years, featuring seven summit finishes, two individual time trials and almost 3,300 kilometres of racing before the final stage in Granada.

The opening week already includes demanding mountain tests at Font Romeu and Aramón Valdelinares, while iconic climbs such as Alto de Aitana, Calar Alto, La Pandera and the queen stage to Collado del Alguacil promise to shape the battle for the red jersey in the final week.

Alongside the Slovenian, João Almeida adds another genuine general classification option following another outstanding season, while Jay Vine and Pavel Sivakov provide proven climbing support.

Young Spaniard Pablo Torres makes his Grand Tour debut after a solid 2026 campaign, with Vermaerke, Novak and Oliveira completing a versatile squad capable of supporting the team’s ambitions across all terrain.

The team will be directed by Sports Directors Marco Marcato, Manuele Mori and Tomas Gil.

Pogačar : “I’m excited to say I’m going back to La Vuelta. It was my first ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience. Spain is a country I love to visit and race in and I think the time is right to go back.

“The motivation is high to finish off the year in a good way and the Vuelta will be a big target. The team is strong and we hope to do good things.”