Following Pogačar and UAE, Equip Kern Pharma announces its 8-rider team on return to the Vuelta a España
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- - About time—Mason’s been knocking on the door for years. That Niel win could really open things up for him.cadencekingm14-11-2026
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- The article makes a good case for clubs and small teams doing the groundwork, rather than one big development pipeline. Thornley’s Vuelta time trials were seriously impressive too; missing a stage win by two seconds is brutal.davidm13-11-2026
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