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Pogacar Favored for 2026 Vuelta Triple Crown

8/21/2026

Summary

Pogacar Triple Crown

Tadej Pogacar is the favourite to win the 2026 Vuelta a España.
A victory would give him the triple crown, achieved by only nine riders.
The Vuelta begins in Monaco on 23 August and finishes in Granada on 13 September.
The route includes over 58,000 m of climbing and seven summit finishes.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG extended Pogacar’s contract through 2031.

Summary

Pogacar Contract Talks

Team president Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri and manager Mauro Gianetti will negotiate special contract clauses.
Negotiations will cover race-schedule control, performance bonuses and private-jet travel.
Pogacar’s 2026 salary is €8 million, making him the peloton’s highest-paid rider.
His total 2026 earnings are projected at least €13 million from salary, bonuses, sponsorships and merchandising.
Pogacar has hinted he could retire after the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 Eddy Merckx won the Vuelta a España, taking six stages and completing his Grand Tour triple after earlier Giro and Tour victories, cementing the race’s prestige. Over five decades later, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar heads the 2026 Vuelta, which begins in Monaco and finishes in Granada, drawing a €8 million salary and prompting teams such as UAE Team Emirates-XRG to renegotiate contracts.

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Pogacar Triple Crown

Tadej Pogacar is the favourite to win the 2026 Vuelta a España.
A victory would give him the triple crown, achieved by only nine riders.
The Vuelta begins in Monaco on 23 August and finishes in Granada on 13 September.
The route includes over 58,000 m of climbing and seven summit finishes.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG extended Pogacar’s contract through 2031.

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