Pogacar has not confirmed it yet, but Prince Albert seems to be clear: "He said he would be there"

The possibility of seeing Tadej Pogacar at the start of the Vuelta a España 2026 has been one of the major talking points in the peloton for months. The world champion has never hidden that the Spanish round is among his pending objectives and, with the race starting this year from Monaco, where he usually resides, the rumors have only continued to grow.

Prince Albert reveals that Pogacar told him he would be at the start of La Vuelta

This Friday, however, the most definitive statement to date has arrived. Prince Albert II of Monaco stated during the start of the 13th stage of the Tour de France that he hopes to see the leader of UAE Team Emirates-XRG on the starting line next August 22.

“Tadej Pogacar said he would be at the start, so I hope that is the case,” affirmed the Monegasque sovereign before the media present in Dole.

A statement that fuels the rumors

The prince's words have been interpreted as significant support for the Slovenian's presence in the third grand tour of the season. This is not just a simple institutional invitation: Alberto II assured that Pogacar had personally conveyed that intention to him.

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Still, the official discourse from UAE Team Emirates-XRG has not changed. The team has insisted in recent weeks that the final decision on Pogacar's calendar will not be made until the Tour de France concludes and they can assess both his physical condition and the planning for the rest of the season.

Therefore, although the statements from the Monegasque head of state reinforce the feeling that the reigning world champion will be at La Vuelta, official confirmation has yet to arrive.

A very special start in Monaco

The 2026 edition of La Vuelta will kick off on August 22 with an individual time trial through the streets of the Principality, a particularly symbolic setting for Pogacar, who has made his residence there for years.

The second stage will also start from Monaco, specifically from the vicinity of the Prince's Palace, before heading to Manosque, extending the prominence of the Principality at the start of the race.

In fact, Alberto II recalled that Monaco will become this year the only city-state to have hosted the start of the three grand tours, after the Giro d'Italia in 1968 and the Tour de France in 2009.

Other cyclists with ties to the Principality

Prince Albert II's statements are, perhaps, the clearest message heard so far regarding Pogacar's participation in La Vuelta. However, it is worth remembering that the official decision still depends on UAE Team Emirates-XRG.