Following Pogačar and UAE, Equip Kern Pharma announces its 8-rider team on return to the Vuelta a España
CyclingSaturday, 15 August 2026 at 17:58
Follow IDL Pro Cycling on Google
Stay up to date with the best cycling news by making us a preferred source on Google.
Follow us on GoogleEquipo Kern Pharma is the second team to announce its eight-rider roster for the Vuelta a España. Following UAE Emirates-XRG, which is aiming for the overall victory with Tadej Pogačar, the Spanish Pro-Continental team is focusing primarily on its attackers and the pursuit of stage wins.
ADVERTISEMENT
Equipo Kern Pharma did not compete in last year’s Vuelta a España, which came as a major surprise. After all, the team had sensationally won three stages back in 2024. Pablo Castrillo, who now rides for Movistar, won two mountain stages, and Urko Berrade also claimed a victory.
Berrade is back again this time, as part of a roster described as “a strong group with the experience, youth, and talent needed to shine once more.” Alongside Berrade, the team includes Iñigo Elosegui, Marc Brustenga, Iván Cobo, Ibon Ruiz, Iván Ramiro Sosa, Diego Uriarte, and Mats Wenzel.
Sosa is, of course, the best-known of the bunch, with his history on the WorldTour with teams such as Movistar and INEOS. The Colombian will typically be aiming for stage wins in the mountains, alongside Berrade, as well as Ruiz and Uriarte.
Continue reading below the photo
Equipo Kern Pharma believes it can win a stage in the Vuelta a España
"I'm starting with a different mindset than I did in 2024," Berrade says in a press release. "I know how strong the competition is, but I know that if I'm in good form, I'll be competitive." Ruiz even adds, "I think I can win a stage in the Vuelta."
In addition to Sosa and Berrada, Equipo Kern Pharma has Cobo, an explosive rider who can win a sprint from a thinned-out group. Wenzel is also fast and, like Cobo, can handle a small hill. Brustenga is on the team for the few true sprints. Elosegui is the team’s road captain.
General Manager Juanjo Oroz promises cycling fans “utmost effort and dedication” from the eight riders of Equipo Kern Pharma. “We continue to dream big because we believe in ourselves, and the Vuelta is a great opportunity to show that to the world.”
Equipo Kern Pharma Roster - 2026 Vuelta a España
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
IDL-productions
2026 Vuelta a España route | Here's wha's in store before the last rest day
32.1 kilometers, 1:46 to claw back: Here's the maths Primož Roglic needs to know to overhaul Mas at the Vuelta
Welsh cycling club to hold memorial race in honour of Finlay Tarling, with an emotional name on the start list
'A farewell tour and a Wiggins debut: Five British riders to watch at the Tour of Britain
Quinn Simmons and Kristen Faulkner lead Team USA’s stacked Road World Championships squad, but some riders aren't happy
Latest Cycling News
2026 Vuelta a España stage 16 preview: Visma holds the key to victory in Spain once again
Van Aert might’ve won at the Vuelta, but Brennan is furious with the UCI: ‘They have the air conditioning set to 20 degrees in their office’
Visma loses crucial domestique Christophe Laporte at Vuelta a Espana: 'Riding into a whole new kind of sauna'
Van Aert laughs at an unusual statistic after Vuelta won: 'I'll never come back here again'
Vuelta a España 2026 Standings | These are the standings going into the final week
Popular Cycling News
2026 Vuelta a España start list & dropouts | Alpecin down to just 3 riders
Vuelta a España 2026 Standings | These are the standings going into the final week
2026 Vuelta a España route | Here's wha's in store before the last rest day
Visma loses crucial domestique Christophe Laporte at Vuelta a Espana: 'Riding into a whole new kind of sauna'
2026 Vuelta a España stage 14 preview | 'The new Pogačar' could threaten Vuelta leader Enric Mas on La Pandera
Latest Comments
- This quote by Joxean Fernandez says it all: "Tadej has been at his best this year. I’m not talking about results, but about his attitude, his behavior, and who he is as a person. He borders on perfection, both as a person and as a cyclist. We should let his list of achievements speak for itself.”rjb05-09-2026
- Qué etapa más dura, madre mía. The heat is cooking everyone. Enric se ve fuerte, pero la última semana será una locura.patriciaw05-09-2026
- Sorry, who is Jakob Ormzel? Do they mean Omer—or is this a different rider? I’m confused by that bit.velodromevirtuoso105-09-2026
- Gall sounding quietly confident about the TT is interesting. If he’s still fresh after that heat, podium is absolutely on. Every second counts with two big mountain days left.breakawaybikerd05-09-2026
- Are we sure the time gains into the final were as “controlled” as the article says? Movistar lit it up, and a few GC guys clearly cracked. Feels a bit glossed over.samanthak05-09-2026
- Brenner finally cashes in a break on Pandera! Loved the way the team rode it—textbook control and then commit. Eurosport quotes make it clear they had multiple scenarios ready. Chapeau.robert6505-09-2026
- "The show m ust go on," despite the risks to the health and safety of the riders. Why? So that other people, the ones who don't take the extreme physical risks, can continue to make more money? Riders come and go. But cash, like diamonds, is forever.rjb05-09-2026
- - Grande Mattias! Dos minutos es mucho en la Vuelta, pero cuidado con las etapas de montaña. Forza Lidl-Trek!davidm04-09-2026
- - “If you can get a free ride, you might as well take it.” Love that honesty. Classic breakaway opportunism. Lidl-Trek have been sharp all week, fair play.raceready704-09-2026
- - Two minutes is big but the real test is whether he can defend it on the next mountain block. If INEOS keeps lighting it up, those gains can vanish quick. Still, top ride.lindae04-09-2026
Loading
