"If Pogacar returns, it would be like doubling the dream" - Vuelta director on UAE leader and 2027 route details reveal
Cycling
The 2027 Vuelta a España will only have its route officially revealed in January 2027, however further details have been confirmed by race director Javier Guillén. The Vuelta's head figure also dreams of a Tadej Pogacar return, which appears to be on the cards.
“We are open to any and all feedback. L’Angliru is already sufficiently demanding, and we take everything into consideration," Guillén said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
The route is still being designed, but will heavily feature the north of Spain - after this year's edition hugged the Mediterranean for much of the route. But the Alto de l'Angliru, star of the 2025 Vuelta and 2026 Vuelta Femenina, will not be tackled.
"For now, it won’t be included, but perhaps in the future we might explore what has been proposed to us.” However, the route will feature, according to the Spanish news outlet, four stages in Galicia; as well as plenty stages in the Asturias and Cantabria.
“We have two very strong, exciting stages in the works. We’re thrilled to be returning to northern Spain. We’ll head back to the Cantabrian coast and, once again, finish in Madrid," he confirmed.
Javier Guillén has confirmed more details regarding the 2027 Vuelta a España
"The route will build in intensity—featuring stages that are quintessentially ‘La Vuelta’—while also incorporating some new, eye-catching discoveries, just as we envisioned. I’m very happy with how the route is shaping up.”
This past summer, the race was initially meant to finish in the Canary Islands with four stages away from the continent. The regional government opted out during the 2025 Vuelta controversy regarding Israel - Premier Tech's presence.
Now in 2027, the Vuelta a Canarias will be born, featuring four stages with a very similar format to what had been planned for the Vuelta.
“We welcome the existence of this race. There’s no formal connection, but the Canary Islands certainly deserve a race.”
Guillen dreams of Tadej Pogacar return
In 2026, Guillen managed to have the rainbow jersey Tadej Pogacar at the start of the Spanish Grand Tour, for the first time since 2019 - and since winning his first Tour de France.
It was a major accomplishment for the race, which began by the Slovenian's home in Monaco. He has already said in the meantime that the Vuelta is an objective for 2027. “If Pogacar returns, it would be like doubling the dream he gave us last year".
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Pogacar looked set to race for victory in this year's edition, leading the race dominantly until a crash on stage 8 took him out of the race. The fall subsequently ended his season - due to a concussion, fractured collarbone and three vertebrae.
"It was a real shame he had to withdraw from the race—a race in which he showed just how great he is, both as a rider and as a person," Guillen concluded.
"I truly hope he comes back next year; we would welcome him with open arms. The very fact that he’s considering a return is a joy for us.”
Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
Within 18 months of launch, he helped grow CyclingUpToDate’s English-language platform into one of the most-read cycling news websites, built entirely from the ground up. As both a professional journalist and lifelong cycling enthusiast, his focus remains on delivering accurate, timely, and well-contextualized coverage.
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