"Vingegaard was at his best in the Tour, but Pogacar was even better" - Mikel Landa names Vuelta favourite and pays tribute to departing Evenepoel

Mikel Landa returns to the Vuelta a Espana with a mix of hard-earned realism and lingering ambition, ready to support his Soudal - Quick-Step team and chase stage success after a Giro d’Italia crash derailed his season. Speaking to Marca from Turin, where the final Grand Tour of the year begins, Landa offered a thoughtful look at his form, the race favourites, and what this Vuelta means to him at this stage of his career.

As ever, Landa’s assessment of the favourites is honest and measured, and there’s no doubt in his mind who holds the upper hand in the GC fight. “He was at his best in the Tour, but Pogacar was even better,” Landa said of Jonas Vingegaard in a recent interview with Marca. “Here, he’ll be the man to beat. The explosive finishes might not suit him, but with a strong team around him, he’ll be able to control the race.”

With Tadej Pogacar sitting this one out following his Tour-Giro campaign, and Remco Evenepoel now racing in Red Bull colours, Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Vingegaard come in as clear favourites to control the race. “Yes,” Landa added, when asked whether the presence of big names could open things up for others, “because at the end of the day the responsibility falls on them, and you can move differently in the race.”

Landa’s season had been built around the Giro d’Italia, and by his own admission, he arrived there in top form. “I arrived very well at the Giro, I had it studied, I’d made a lot of sacrifices — and seeing it all escape was tough. I couldn’t watch the race; it made me feel envious and jealous. I’ve only seen the crash on video to understand what happened, because even I wasn’t sure. It happened on a technical descent — I got boxed in between a rider and the kerb, and didn’t have time to react. It was my mistake.”

Still, unlike past setbacks, this one hasn’t shaken Landa’s mindset. When asked whether the injury led him to consider retirement, he was clear. “This time, no. Last year, the crash at Itzulia affected me mentally, but now it’s been the opposite. I’ve enjoyed the bike and the team so much that I’m not thinking about the end — not even close.”

Now 35, Landa isn’t setting specific goals for La Vuelta — at least not in terms of classification. “I don’t have concrete ambitions. 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.”

There are stages he’s marked with extra motivation — particularly those close to home. “The Bilbao stage excites me — for the fans and for my family, who’ll be out on the roadside. Also the stages in Asturias, especially the return to L’Angliru, and the Morredero.”

Landa has also had to adapt to a new dynamic within Soudal - Quick-Step, following the departure of Remco Evenepoel to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe for 2026. Landa had spent much of his time in the team as a key lieutenant to Evenepoel, especially in mountainous terrain.

“It’s a very different atmosphere now — a Belgian culture focused on the Classics and on stage wins. I really enjoyed supporting Evenepoel. Now, without him, we’ll need to change the mindset and help the younger guys. I know new riders are coming to the team in 2026. I’m sure we’ll have a good group.”

Evenepoel’s exit may also open the door to more personal freedom for Landa next season. “Maybe I’ll have more prominence in 2026. It’s a shame I won’t be racing with Remco more. The team will be reinforced, and I’ll keep enjoying it.”

While La Vuelta may be the end of the Grand Tour calendar, it’s not the end of Landa’s ambitions for the season. “The World Championships really motivate me — especially after the crash. I’ll arrive fresh, and I want to make the most of it. I’m not thinking about the European Championships, but Lombardy is definitely in my plans.”

And beyond 2025? “I don’t know — maybe I’ll retire on 31st December 2026. I still have unfinished business with the Giro, and I’m lucky to be in a position to choose when I hang up the bike.”

One goal remains unchanged, though. “To win. But in the meantime, to keep enjoying the bike and the affection of the fans, which is what matters most to me at this stage in my career.”