The mainland doesn't let the fugitives get very far, and Pogacher and Roglič are perfectly calm.

The 2026 Vuelta a España will begin in less than a week, with Tadej Pogačar set to take center stage as the main contender for victory. The Slovenian cyclist, who has already claimed five Grand Tours, including the Giro d'Italia in 2024 and the Tour de France multiple times, is aiming to complete his collection by winning the Spanish three-week race. This would mark his first triumph on the Vuelta, which he previously finished third in during his debut in 2019. The route this year is particularly challenging, featuring several high-altitude climbs that have been described as written into Pogačar’s skin due to their difficulty. The fourth stage, which takes place in Andorra, will present one of the earliest major tests for the riders, with nearly 3,000 meters of climbing over just over 100 kilometers. Later stages, such as the ninth, 12th, 14th, and 20th, will include climbs like the Alto de Aitana, Calar Alto, Sierra de la Pandera, and Collado del Alguacil, all of which are known for their steep gradients and will likely play a crucial role in determining the overall winner. For Pogačar, securing an early lead could be key, given that he will need to compete in the World Championships in Montreal shortly after the Vuelta ends. However, maintaining a conservative approach might be necessary to avoid expending too much energy early on. Meanwhile, Primož Roglič, another Slovenian cycling star and four-time Vuelta champion, faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the race. After a recent accident during training in July, where he was struck by a car, questions remain about whether he will be fit enough to compete. His team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, has yet to confirm his participation, with a decision reportedly pending until just before the race begins. If Roglič does participate, it would be his fifth attempt at the Vuelta, with the chance to secure his fifth overall win and move ahead of Robert Heras on the all-time list. However, even if he starts, there are doubts about his ability to challenge for the general classification, especially against Pogačar, who is currently the dominant force in the peloton. Roglič's potential absence from the Vuelta has sparked interest from other teams, notably Belgium’s Lotto-Intermarché. According to reports from Belgian media, including Het Laatste Nieuws, talks have already begun between Roglič and the Belgian squad, which is looking for a proven leader to help them maintain their position in the WorldTour rankings. The team, which recently promoted three young riders to its top squad, sees Roglič as a valuable asset, both in terms of experience and results. However, the possibility of a move to Lotto-Intermarché remains uncertain, with no official announcement made yet. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the Vuelta, Roglič’s future beyond 2026 appears to be under consideration. At 36 years old, he is nearing the end of his professional career, and while some speculate he may retire, others believe he still has ambitions to achieve further success. His potential move to Lotto-Intermarché would allow him greater freedom in choosing races, potentially giving him the opportunity to compete in events like the Tour de France, which he missed this year due to competition within his current team. In addition to the uncertainty around Roglič’s participation, the Vuelta itself presents numerous challenges for Pogačar. The heat in southern Spain can reach temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius, adding to the physical demands of the race. Additionally, the second half of the race includes some of the most grueling mountain stages, which could test Pogačar’s endurance and strategy. While he is considered the favorite, the race offers enough variables to make a victory far from guaranteed. As the start date approaches, the focus shifts to whether Roglič will be able to compete and how his presence, or absence, will affect the dynamics of the race. With Pogačar aiming for a historic triple crown of Grand Tours, the outcome of the Vuelta will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike.