“I’m confident I can fight for good results”: Mikel Landa all-in for 2026

Between two training camps in Calpe, Mikel Landa reflects on his passion for cycling and his goals ahead of a third season with Soudal - Quick-Step. The Basque rider is gearing up for his 16th consecutive year in the pro ranks, something he never imagined when he debuted in the peloton at the Trofeo Palma de Mallorca in February 2011.

Fifteen years on, Landa not only boasts an impressive palmarès, he remains a fan favourite, remembered for his out-of-the-saddle surges and downhill attacks, like at the 2015 Giro d’Italia, where he won two stages and finished third overall.

“Despite everything, I still enjoy what I do and I have the same passion as on my first day in the peloton. I’m about to start my 16th consecutive season, something I never would have imagined when I turned professional. It’s been a long road and I’m confident I can still fight for good results,” the Basque rider said in a press release shared by the team.

Last year was his second season in Soudal - Quick-Step colours, marked by pronounced ups and downs. The dream of fighting for the podium at the Giro d’Italia vanished in seconds on stage 1, when a crash ended what had been a solid start to the year. True to character, Landa bounced back in the summer and went on to be one of the most combative riders at La Vuelta, showcasing resilience and racing instinct. This year he is considering racing all three Grand Tours.

“It’s true, last year was difficult. Everything was going really well before the Giro, I had perfect form and felt genuinely good. I was ready to fight for a strong general classification, because everything seemed to be lining up for the Giro," he admits. However, as has been the case in the past, luck is not always on his side.

"Then that crash came and everything fell apart. Fortunately, I was able to return in August and ended up fighting for a stage at the Vuelta, where I came very close to the win. I’m happy I finished the season on the bike; that gave me a lot of confidence,” Landa explained, underlining his resilience and ability to stay motivated in adversity.

In 2026, the Basque rider will open his season at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, followed by the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior. His main goals, however, lie in the spring at two stage-races he holds dear: Volta a Catalunya and Itzulia Basque Country. For Landa, these races carry special meaning and offer the chance to feel competitive again on terrain he truly values.

“I’m really looking forward to starting in February. I’m hoping for a good launch while I keep building towards Catalunya and the Basque Country. I love those races and I hope to take a stage win there,” said Landa, making clear that motivation comes not only from competition but also from the personal connection with races that have shaped his career.