Vuelta keeps hopes for Pogacar as organisers brace for extreme heat

Speaking at the Sports Summit Madrid, Guillén addressed the growing speculation over whether the World Champion could target the Vuelta this season. The Vuelta race director, however, insisted that a potential participation for the Slovenian will hinge on the outcome of the Tour de France in July, where Pogačar is targeting a record-equalling fifth victory.

"Pogačar's participation? It will all depend on how the Tour de France finishes," Guillén said to Marca. "What's clear is that La Vuelta is the only Grand Tour he needs to further cement his legendary status."

Pogačar made his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta back in 2019, where he won three stages and finished third overall behind Primož Roglič and Alejandro Valverde. The World Champion hasn’t returned to the Grand Tour since, but has since won four editions of the Tour and one edition of the Giro d’Italia.

A victory at the Vuelta for Pogačar would see the Slovenian complete the Grand Tour set, becoming only the ninth male rider to do so. Pogačar’s eternal rival, Jonas Vingegaard, became the latest rider to join the exclusive club with his Giro victory in May. 

The route for the 2026 Vuelta features a distinctive lack of northern Spain and instead is centred around the country’s eastern and southern regions, following a Mediterranean theme. 

Consequently, questions have been raised about the extreme summer temperatures, though Guillén was adamant that concerns over heat would not be able to dictate the race’s geography.

"The heat cannot prevent us from going to certain areas," Guillén said. "It is part of the competition and we must adapt to these conditions."

The race director stressed that organisers have protocols in place to deal with exceptional weather, adding that measures would be implemented when temperatures reach extreme levels. 

"They are planned for cases of extreme temperatures. We are prepared and will evaluate each situation as it arises,” explained Guillén. 

The Vuelta kicks off on August 22 in Monaco, marking the third consecutive foreign start, with the race concluding on September 13 with a unique finish in Granada.