Nightmare start to 2025 Vuelta a Espana for Mikel Landa after airline loses Quick-Step leader's luggage

The Vuelta a Espana hasn’t even begun, and already Mikel Landa’s Grand Tour campaign has hit an unexpected snag. The Basque climber, who leads Soudal - Quick-Step at the 2025 edition of the race, arrived in Turin earlier this week only to discover his luggage had gone missing — courtesy of a less-than-stellar showing from his airline.

With less than 24 hours to go before the opening stage, Landa was left scrambling for clothing and made light of the mishap on social media. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he revealed that he was forced to buy a retro Juventus shirt from a local shop just to have something to wear, pairing it with the only other item he currently has in his possession: a pair of jeans.

"Hello Vueling Airlines, tomorrow La Vuelta starts and my suitcase is still nowhere to be found. Should I pick it up in Barcelona before stage 5, or will it arrive on time?" Landa's post on X reads.

Notably, Vueling did actually reply to Landa's post. "Hello Mikel. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused. If you need further assistance, please provide us with your PIR via DM. Regards," came the message from the airline.

Landa is currently staying near Juventus’ training ground on the outskirts of Turin, but his wardrobe is more suited to the stands at the Allianz Stadium than the peloton of a Grand Tour. The airline has since responded to his post, offering assistance — though whether his kit and personal items arrive before the race gets underway remains to be seen.

Despite the chaotic build-up, Landa is approaching the Vuelta with a relaxed mindset. After crashing out of the Giro d’Italia earlier this season, the 35-year-old returns to Grand Tour racing more focused on rediscovering form and enjoyment than chasing specific results. “I don’t have concrete ambitions,” Landa told the media this week. “Any result will do, but above all it’s important for morale. I want to finish the season by racing a Grand Tour, forget how the Giro ended, and start 2026 from scratch. I’d like to put on a show in this Vuelta.”