'A score to settle' - Mikel Landa plans GC revenge at Giro d'Italia in 2026

2025 was a difficult year for Mikel Landa from a Grand Tour perspective after he crashed out of the Giro d'Italia on the opening stage in Albania, which left him with a stable fracture to the Th 11 vertebra. 

The 36-year-old made a positive return to three-week racing at the Vuelta a España, narrowly missing out on a stage win to Egan Bernal, but with signs that his back was still causing issues. Though with 45 race days in the legs in 2025, the Basque rider admitted that he is feeling fresh ahead of the new season and hopes that he will benefit as a result.

"I haven't finished the year tired, unlike what happened in 2024 when I did two Grand Tours. I hope that will benefit me in 2026 and that I'll have that freshness," said Landa in an interview with Deia. 

"It's true that after the Vuelta I almost wanted to finish, but mainly because of my back. I would have liked to tackle the Italian classics, like Lombardy, better, although the pain persisted, and I needed to stop completely," he added.

The plan for Landa is to return to the Italian Grand Tour in 2026 with vengeance. “The idea is to start with the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana on February 4th. Then I'll focus on Catalunya, Itzulia Basque Country, the Giro d'Italia, and the Tour de France,” said Landa, confirming he will race two Grand Tours once more.

“We have a score to settle with the Giro d'Italia after what happened last year. Let's see if it goes better this time,” said Landa. “Then, with the Tour, they've given me the freedom to go for stage wins and not focus on the overall. I'm looking forward to that dual role.”

Landa confirmed that he will hunt the GC in Italy, whilst Soudal Quick-Step are also set to bring one of the most prolific winners of 2025, Paul Magnier, to the Italian Grand Tour to target stage wins.

That's right, that's what we've discussed [targeting the GC]. Paul Magnier will also be going as the team's sprinter, and we'll be looking for stage wins with him, and I'll be aiming for a good overall result,” said Landa.

Landa arrived at Soudal Quick-Step in 2024 and was a key lieutenant for Remco Evenepoel, who finished third at the Tour de France, with the Basque rider himself finishing in 5th. With the departure of Evenepoel to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, the onus on riders like Landa to take the reins in a GC capacity increases.

“For the GC, yes,” said Landa when asked if he is a team leader. “It's true that the team is going back to what it was before, fighting for sprint stages or the Classics. Although I already said that I have my own space, there are young guys coming up from behind who want to fight for week-long races, and I can help them.”

At 36 years of age, Landa acknowledged that he is in the twilight of his career and responded openly when asked if he planned to continue into 2027 and an eighteenth season as a professional.

“Of course. Right now, I have the same chance of hanging up my bike as I do of continuing. If I keep enjoying myself this year, I'm at my best, and the team wants me to, I'll continue,” said Landa.