Vuelta route set to test Pogačar as UAE warns it won’t be easy for anyone

UAE Team Emirates-XRG performance head Jeroen Swart says the Vuelta a España 2026 will be the toughest in years, with over 58,000 meters of elevation, meaning the race will be grueling even for Tadej Pogačar. The plan centers on keeping Pogačar mentally fresh (and peaking after the Tour) while navigating a brutal first week with high mountains; the UAE team aims to balance aggressive early GC moves with potential conservatism later to protect form for the World Championships. Domination is unlikely; the focus is on getting the job done and maximizing his chances wherever the route dictates.