Landa outlines next targets after turning difficult 2026 around with Vuelta stage win

Less than a week ago, Mikel Landa had stated that 2026 had been “the worst year" of his career, with his final season at Soudal Quick-Step overshadowed by his crash at Itzulia Basque Country in April. 

However, the veteran Basque star rolled back the years, climbing to victory on stage 20 of the Vuelta a España, the queen stage, conquering the Collado del Alguacil and taking his first victory since winning the GC at the Vuelta a Burgos in 2021. 

With a spring in his step, Landa has already turned his attention to some possible next objectives in his final weeks with the Belgian team this season, before returning home to Euskaltel-Euskadi for 2027. 

“We’re considering whether I’ll take part in the Italian Classics, leading up to Il Lombardia,” Landa told Marca. 

The 36-year-old has started Il Lombardia twelve times previously, finishing third back in 2022 behind Tadej Pogačar and Enric Mas, as well as 19th last season.

Regardless of whether Landa features in the Italian Classics, one certain fact is that he will depart Soudal Quick-Step at the end of the season to return to Euskaltel-Euskadi, wearing the bright orange jersey in which he established himself at the beginning of his professional career.

Landa hopes to carry the positives from his recent success into his next chapter, and wants to continue to race aggressively after discovering at the Vuelta that he still has the level to win. 

“I’d like to keep riding aggressively. We have a new challenge ahead for next year, and I want to continue on this path,” he said. “Honestly, finishing the year this way will help me start next year on a different footing.” 

That new footing will be particularly important, as Landa hopes to have an influence beyond his own results.

“I’d love to be able to raise my arms in victory with them, just like yesterday, contribute significantly to the squad, help develop riders I believe have great potential, and get fans excited about the team again so the "orange tide" can rise once more.”

Ultimately, Landa is looking forward to the project ahead, but remains realistic about the scale of the team and insists that Euskaltel will retain its modest and humble character following his arrival.

“The team isn't going to change all that much. It will remain a humble team, full of enthusiasm, but with its limitations. We’ll take it step by step, put up a good fight, and see if, little by little, more sponsors feel encouraged to back the team.”