The first week of the 2026 Vuelta a España was overshadowed by one event: Tadej Pogačar’s withdrawal. For a long time, the Slovenian seemed to be controlling the race at will. Three stage wins in the first six days, the Red Jersey and a clear advantage over all his rivals made him the clear favourite. Even on the spectacular gravel finish of Stage 6, Pogačar proved himself to be the strongest rider in the peloton.
The Pogačar shock has completely changed the Vuelta
However, a heavy crash on Stage 8 brought his Vuelta to a premature end. With the withdrawal of the dominant rider, the race has become completely wide open from one day to the next. Suddenly, numerous riders believe they have a chance of achieving the greatest success of their careers. Whether it’s Enric Mas, Primož Roglič, Richard Carapaz, Felix Gall or Oscar Onley: they are all likely now to be convinced that overall victory is within their grasp. What just a few days ago looked like a battle for second place behind Pogačar is now an open race for the red jersey.
Enric Mas is enjoying a second wind
The biggest positive surprise of the first week is undoubtedly Enric Mas. Although the Movistar team captain had consistently achieved decent results in recent years, he had long since ceased to be among the top contenders in the Grand Tours. This makes his performances so far all the more remarkable.
The Spaniard really made his mark on Stage 6 in particular. After Pogačar had launched an attack on the steep gravel climb, Mas achieved something that nobody had managed in a major national tour for years: he caught up with Pogačar again. The Slovenian himself later described how Mas had “flew past him like a rocket”.
With Pogačar out of the race, Mas now automatically becomes one of the main favourites for the overall victory. This is a scenario that few would have expected before the start of the tour.
Roglič makes an impressive comeback
Primož Roglič has also put in a surprisingly strong performance. Ahead of the start of the Vuelta, there was a sense of caution within the Red Bull – Bora – hansgrohe team. The team had even dropped a key climber from the line-up because, given the Slovenian’s state of health, they were apparently unsure how competitive he would be.
Yet Roglič has shown in the first week that he is definitely among the favourites. Whilst he was unable to keep up with Pogačar, he consistently remained within striking distance of the leaders and avoided any major setbacks. Above all, the long individual time trial in the final week could now work in his favour. Hardly any of the remaining general classification contenders are likely to be able to make up as much time there as the four-time Vuelta winner. He remains in with a chance of a fifth victory in the Vuelta a España, which would be a record.
Joshua Tarling is battling on in the Vuelta despite suffering a severe setback
Joshua Tarling provided the most moving moments of the first week. The Briton had travelled to the Vuelta just a few days after the tragic death of his brother Finlay at the Volta a Portugal. His very presence at the start was met with great respect both within the peloton and amongst the fans.
Despite the emotional strain, Tarling tried to carry on, but eventually decided to withdraw on the 6th stage. From a sporting perspective, this quickly took a back seat. Rather, his story highlighted the personal struggles that often lie behind the professionals’ achievements.
Other topics covered in the first week
- Oscar Onley back in the thick of it: The young Briton held his own against numerous established Grand Tour riders and remains within striking distance of the leader, Enric Mas. Following his withdrawal from the Tour, he now has the chance to show at the Vuelta why he is considered one of the favourites.
- The weather-related cancellation of Stage 7: Stage 7 provided what were arguably the most bizarre scenes of the first week. Gusts of wind and heavy hail made it impossible to continue the race, with numerous riders seeking shelter in a nearby hotel. The decision to neutralise the stage and subsequently cancel it was largely welcomed by the peloton and demonstrated once again just how unpredictable conditions can be at the Vuelta.
- The Vuelta has been a spectacle right from the start: Even the first week featured gravel sections, gruelling mountain finishes, crosswinds and numerous time gaps. The Tour of Spain has once again demonstrated just how unpredictable it is.
The first rest day therefore comes at a time when the Vuelta is effectively starting all over again. The clear favourite and dominant rider is out of the race, several riders are suddenly dreaming of overall victory, and the most exciting question is: who will make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
Leon Weidner
Editor