“The race is going to change a lot" - Tadej Pogacar's Vuelta departure offers new reality for general classification hopefuls
CyclingSunday, 30 August 2026 at 13:14
José Joaquín Rojas, Movistar Team sports director, assessed the new scenario facing the telephone squad before stage 9 of the Vuelta a España 2026 after Tadej Pogacar’s withdrawal. The exit of the overwhelming favourite on stage 8 elevates Enric Mas to the red jersey and puts the Spanish team in a completely different situation.
Rojas did not hide his sadness at Pogacar’s departure, even if Movistar are among the main beneficiaries. “A real shame, above all to lose a rider like Pogacar. No one wants to see him leave like this,” the sports director said.
“I think it’s a sad day, a bit bittersweet for cycling. This time we’ve come out ahead, mainly because we were already in the fight and, in the end, all the work of recent years is now bearing fruit,” he added.
With Enric Mas leading the general classification, the team’s approach now shifts to a more defensive posture. Rojas admits the pre–stage 9 briefing does not change radically, since the main GC rivals remain the same.
Tadej Pogacar reaparece tras su caída en La Vuelta
Without Pogacar, a much more open Vuelta for the GC contenders
“Our fight was always with Félix Garth, with Robles, with Odley. In the end, we have to defend against the same riders,” noted the sports director, who has full confidence in Enric Mas’s form.
The Spanish rider had already shown good legs in Alicante, and Movistar arrive ready for a day they know particularly well. “Enric showed there in Alicante that he was very, very good. Today is a day we know; we came to recon it during camp. It’s terrain we’ve ridden many times,” Rojas explained.
The goal is therefore clear: defend Enric Mas’s lead with every available resource. “We know it inside out, so we’ll defend it tooth and nail,” he concluded.
Pogacar’s absence affects not only Movistar Team. It completely changes the dynamics of the race. UAE Team Emirates XRG had imposed a tight grip on the Vuelta so far, with the Slovenian as the main threat to the rest of the contenders.
Rojas believes there will now be far more freedom to attack. “The race is going to change a lot, especially because you know UAE’s way of racing is to keep everything as controlled as possible, as compact as possible, always with the chance for Tadej to win,” he explained.
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Movistar opt for different strategy
Without Pogacar, Movistar must adopt a different strategy. The sports director admits the team cannot run the race the way the powerful UAE would: “We don’t have the super team that Tadej has. We have to think about defending the lead, not about winning stages.”
That final thought neatly sums up the new Vuelta landscape. With Pogacar out, Enric Mas has the chance to defend the red jersey, but Movistar Team also know they must shoulder significant responsibility in the bunch.
At the same time, the absence of the dominant force opens the door to far more unpredictable stages. “It really opens the window for more riders to win stages,” Rojas concluded.
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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- It's incredibly optimistic to think that Tadej can ride the World's this year, but I just can't see that happening, given the severity of the injuries. Perhaps he could make the start of Lombardia at best, but I think that we'll be seeing a new winner at that race this year.
santiagobenites30-08-2026 - He may very well treat them like that. I wouldn't know. He is not an idiot though. He is hardly likely to get Pogacar - his star world class rider, best ever road race cyclist, back racing for short term gain is he?Cyclingsbestfan30-08-2026
- Awaken, you!
Rafionain-Glas30-08-2026 - There is no way to make cycling races safe. From idiot race organizers to rider actions. Idiot fans. Its a shamecaptmike30-08-2026
- the guy with a vested interest in his client being up and at races. seems reliable and unbiased hey hahawrsty30-08-2026
- Thing is, Gianetti is the kind to treat his riders as gladiatorsRafionain-Glas30-08-2026
- Absolutely advice that makes sense. although for the wrong reason .I am not worried about the the C7 bone fracture itself, since it is not dislocated and should normally heal within 8-10 weeks, and when completely healed the fractured location is usually stronger than before or at least as strong. Bone health among bikers are not as good as most other atlethes due the restricted cost and low body mass. Complete healing can be secured by CT- scan and/or other imaging devices. My concern is rather, that Tadej for sure, has signs and symptoms of a Whiplash Associated Disorder in the severe category with neck pain and vertebra fracture. In other words he has had a concussion of the cervical spine in addition to concussion of the the brain. Thus to avoid longterm or even life long consequences of these concussions, the time horizon for safe rehabilitation is quite long, and premature come back will be a hazard for Tadejs lifetime health. Stop talking about a speedy comeback in this case, hope is not a strategy. Pro riders risk their health and life every day on the road to entertain us. They should not be treated as gladiators who can be returned to the Colosseum as soon as possible. Fortunately the prognosis for Tadej is good but he needs time.Jakob30-08-2026
- True, I'm a citizen of the USA but not an American if my parents and grandparents are Slovenian. It's also called "birthright citizenship" This rule is also known as "right of the soil." It applies no matter what citizenship your parents hold. So if a husband and wife from China get a baby during their stay in the US, the baby becomes an American citizen, but he's realy Chineese. Ad acta.PogiSloFans30-08-2026
- Highly doubt Rogla will take the win, I think his time is done. But if I’m wrong, all respect to Rogla. In an entirely biased opinion, I am rooting for Mas.anonymouscyclist30-08-2026
- His shoulder looked awful, the immediate and sheer bruising is a worry. I can see this being the end of his season, at a minimum. I hope he recovers okay.anonymouscyclist30-08-2026
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