Pogacar on the verge of contract extension: Vuelta as the final missing Grand Tour piece

The missing Grand Tour piece

Gianetti expressed confidence that the negotiations could be concluded shortly. An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. It remains unclear, however, whether the new contract is meant to cover only the racing ambitions of the professional cyclist or also aspects beyond race commitments.

In the background of the talks is Pogacar's advisor Alex Carera, who represents the interests of his client. Carera maintains a close relationship with the team management and is regarded as the architect of several long-term agreements that bind top riders to UAE's World Tour project.

Negotiations close to completion

Sportingly, the 2026 season has so far unfolded differently than planned for Pogacar. The two-time road race World champion suffered a fractured femur at the end of February, which kept him out of action for several weeks. He then gradually returned to competition and celebrated the first World Tour victory since 2024 on the final day of the Tour of Poland in a comparable time trial.

With the upcoming Vuelta in view, expectations focus primarily on the duel with Primoz Roglic, who has already won the Spanish stage race three times and is considered one of the few remaining rivals in the battle for the overall classification.

Historical comparisons impose themselves: Should Pogacar win the Vuelta, he would draw closer to Belgian Eddy Merckx, who also won all three Grand Tours. The comparison with the cycling legend is regularly drawn in the sport, since Pogacar, through his versatility and broad range of abilities — from time trials to mountain stages to one-day races — is reminiscent of Merckx.

Comparison with the cycling legend

Austrian climbing specialist Felix Gall, who won the 2023 Vuelta, is also part of the wider circle of favourites and had already drawn attention to himself this season with strong performances. The competition in the field therefore remains strong, even if the bookmakers list Pogacar as the clear top favourite.

Alongside the sporting aspects, marketing also plays a role. Pogacar is considered one of the most marketable athletes in international cycling; his starts generate high TV ratings and sponsorship revenues. A contract extension would therefore stabilise not only the sporting but also the economic outlook of the team.

Significance for the team strategy

The coming weeks until the Vuelta start are now considered the decisive phase: a successful appearance in Spain could additionally accelerate the already expected signing and lay the foundation for the next contract years.