Honestly, if you follow professional cycling, you’ve probably seen David de la Cruz a thousand times. He is that guy. The one who is always there, grinding away on a 10% gradient while the superstars take the headlines. But if you think he’s just another name in the peloton, you’re missing the point of his entire career.
Born in Sabadell back in 1989, de la Cruz didn't take the "normal" route to the pros. Most kids start racing at six. David? He was a runner first. He didn't even pick up a racing bike until he was 18. That’s basically prehistoric in a sport where teams are now signing teenagers to six-year contracts.
The Q36.5 Era and the 2026 Shift
Right now, as we move through the 2026 season, David de la Cruz is a cornerstone of the Pinarello - Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. It’s a bit of a different vibe than his days at Team Sky or UAE Team Emirates. He isn't just a "luxury domestique" anymore. On this Swiss-registered ProTeam, he’s the veteran who has to carry the GC (General Classification) hopes while teaching the young guns how to survive a three-week race without losing their minds.
He's 36 now. In cycling years, that’s "wise elder" territory.
What Most People Get Wrong About David de la Cruz
People look at his palmares and see "only" six professional wins. They think he’s a nearly-man. But you’ve gotta look at the quality of those wins.
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- The 2016 Vuelta a España Stage 9: This was his masterpiece. He didn’t just win the stage at Alto del Naranco; he took the Red Jersey. For a Spanish rider, wearing the Maillot Rojo is the peak.
- Paris-Nice Dominance: He won the final stage of Paris-Nice twice (2017 and 2018). That stage is notorious. It’s a short, explosive hilly circuit around Nice that usually decides the whole race.
- The 2024 Time Trial Title: Just when everyone thought he was purely a mountain goat, he went out and won the Spanish National Time Trial Championship. He beat the specialists. At 35.
It’s about versatility. He’s finished 7th overall in the Vuelta three separate times (2016, 2020, and 2021). That level of consistency is actually rare. Most riders have one good year and vanish. David just keeps showing up.
The Sacrum Story
You want to know how tough this guy is? Look at the 2020 Tour de France. On Stage 1, in a rain-soaked Nice, he crashed. Hard. He finished the stage, but the X-rays showed a fractured sacrum. That’s the bone at the base of your spine. Most people wouldn't be able to sit in a chair. David de la Cruz rode the remaining 20 stages.
He didn't just "finish" either. He was the key man in the mountains for Tadej Pogačar, helping the Slovenian pull off one of the greatest upsets in sports history. He literally rode through a broken back to help a teammate win the Tour.
Why the 2025/2026 Season is Different
Last year was a bit of a "rebranding" for him. At Q36.5, the pressure isn't about winning the Yellow Jersey; it's about UCI points and survival.
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- Giro d’Abruzzo 2025: He took 2nd overall.
- Sibiu Cycling Tour 2025: Another 2nd place on the General Classification.
- Tirreno-Adriatico 2026: He recently cracked the Top 10 again, showing that the engine hasn't lost much horsepower despite the age.
He’s become a master of the "Continental" circuit while still being a threat in WorldTour races. His experience in the 2026 peloton is basically a walking encyclopedia of tactics.
The Reality of Being a Spanish Pro
Being a Spanish climber in the post-Contador era is tough. Fans in Spain expect every climber to be the next "Pistolero." David de la Cruz never tried to be that. He’s more of a diesel engine. He won't give you a flashy 50km solo attack often, but he will be there in the group of the last 15 riders on a brutal mountain pass.
Key Stats You Should Know
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Weight: Around 66 kg (145 lbs) — yeah, he’s skin and bone.
- Current Team: Pinarello - Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team.
- Major Strength: High-altitude climbing and "ugly" weather days.
He’s one of the few riders who actually seems to like it when the weather turns to trash. Some guys complain about the rain; David just zips up his jersey and starts pedaling harder.
What’s Next for David?
We are likely looking at the final act of his career. He hasn't officially announced a retirement date, but at 36, the clock is ticking. For David de la Cruz, 2026 is about a few specific goals:
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- One last Vuelta stage: He wants that second home-tour win.
- Mentoring: Helping riders like Tom Pidcock (who joined the squad’s orbit recently) or the young Spanish talents at Q36.5.
- The National Jersey: Defending or reclaiming that TT title.
If you’re watching the races this year, keep an eye on the breakaway in the third week of a Grand Tour. Look for the tall, lean Spaniard with the smooth pedaling stroke. He isn't the fastest sprinter, and he isn't the most famous guy in the bunch. But he is one of the most respected.
To really appreciate David de la Cruz, you have to stop looking at the podium and start looking at the work. Check out his power data if he ever posts it on Strava—it’s mind-boggling. Watch how he positions himself before the final climb of the day. That is where the real "pro" level stuff happens.
If you want to follow his progress through the rest of the 2026 season, keep an eye on the official UCI race results or the Q36.5 team social feeds. His next big target is likely the Basque Country or the Ardennes classics where his "diesel" style can really shine in the cold.