Mikel Landa completes emotional Euskaltel-Euskadi return in first major transfer of 2026

It is August 1, 2026, which means cycling’s transfer market is officially open. From this date, teams and riders are permitted to announce whether they will be moving elsewhere for the 2027 season. The first major news comes from the Basque Country, where Mikel Landawill return to the team where his professional career began.

The move had been expected for some time, but the climber has now decided to return to his roots with Euskaltel-Euskadi. Landa joins from Soudal Quick-Step, where he has spent the past three seasons. Before that, he also raced for Bahrain Victorious, Movistar, Team Sky and Astana during a long career at the highest level.

Landa made his professional debut in Euskaltel’s famous orange jersey in 2011 and remained with the team through the end of 2013, before moving to Astana. While representing the Basque squad, he finished sixth in both the Clásica San Sebastián and the Tour of Burgos in 2013. His career truly took off after his departure, as Landa went on to win several Grand Tour stages while establishing himself as an important mountain domestique, team leader and attacking rider.

“Returning to Euskaltel-Euskadi, wearing the orange jersey again and renewing my connection with the foundation feels like completing the circle,” Landa explained. “It was through this structure that I first became a professional cyclist. Being able to return at this stage of my career means an enormous amount to me personally.”

“I am coming back with a huge amount of enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to this project. I feel I still have what it takes to achieve some great results and give the supporters something to enjoy,” said Landa, who has signed a contract through the end of 2028 with the ProTeam from his home region.

Landa was forced to miss both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year following a serious crash at the Tour of the Basque Country. He returns to competition in San Sebastián on Saturday, with the Vuelta a España now his main objective for the remainder of the season.