Between two training sessions in Calpe, the Basque climber talked about his love for the sport and hopes going into his third year with Soudal Quick-Step.
2026 will be Mikel Landa’s 16th consecutive season in the pro ranks, something the 36-year-old would have never dreamed of in February 2011, when he pinned on a number for his first race in the peloton, the Trofeo Palma de Mallorca. Fifteen years later, he boasts an impressive palmares and holds a special place in the hearts of cycling’s fans: climbing out of the saddle and on the drops, Mikel remains as popular as when he took the 2015 Giro d’Italia by storm, winning two stages and finishing third overall.
Cycling has changed, and so have I, personally and professionally.
“Despite this, I keep enjoying what I’m doing and have the same passion as on my first day in the bunch. Now I’m about to start my 16th year in a row, something I would have never imagined when I turned pro. It’s been quite the journey and I’m confident I can still fight for some good results”, said Mikel in Calpe, where he is currently attending the team’s second training camp of the winter.
Last season was his second in the Soudal Quick-Step jersey – a season of highs and lows, where the dream of fighting for a Giro d’Italia overall podium vanished in a couple of seconds on the very first day of the race, when a crash put an end to what had been a solid first part of the year. But staying true to his nature, the Basque came back in the summer and ended up being one of the most combative riders of La Vuelta.
“It’s true, last year was a difficult one. Everything was very good before the Giro, I had a perfect shape and felt really great. I was prepared to fight for a good general classification, as I felt things really clicked going into the Giro. Then that crash happened and it all went up in smoke. Fortunately, I could come back in August and ended up fighting for a stage at the Vuelta, where I came really close to getting a victory. I’m happy to have finished that season on the bike, it’s something that gave me a lot of confidence.”
Mikel’s first goals of the season will come in the spring, at two iconic races, both close to his heart: “I look forward to getting things underway. I hope for a good start and a strong form for Catalunya and the Basque Country. I love those races and I hope to get a stage victory there.”
For Mikel, for us, and for the Landistas – the many fans of one of cycling’s last romantic riders – these races can’t come soon enough.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
