Who will win the 2026 Giro d'Italia?

The 2026 Giro d’Italia is set to begin in Bulgaria this Friday, with a strong field of contenders despite recent withdrawals from notable general classification (GC) riders João Almeida and Richard Carapaz. Among the favourites is Jonas Vingegaard, who will be making his debut in the Giro after securing victories in both the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France. Vingegaard has expressed enthusiasm about racing the Giro for the first time, viewing it as a prestigious event and a suitable challenge ahead of the Tour de France in July. His recent performances, including a dominant win at Paris-Nice and success at the Volta a Catalunya, suggest he has regained full fitness following a serious crash in 2024. Italian rider Giulio Pellizzari is emerging as a significant threat to Vingegaard’s ambitions. At just 22 years old, Pellizzari has already demonstrated strong form with two Giro starts under his belt, a sixth-place overall finish last year, and a stage win at the Vuelta a España. His recent victory at the Tour of the Alps has boosted confidence within his team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who see him as a genuine podium contender. Pellizzari’s improved time-trialling ability complements his natural climbing skills, making him a well-rounded competitor and Italy’s best hope to end a decade-long wait for a homegrown Giro champion. Jai Hindley, the 2022 Giro winner, returns as a co-leader for Red Bull alongside Pellizzari. Although his 2026 season has been relatively quiet, Hindley’s experience and previous Grand Tour success make him a wildcard in the GC battle. His ability to perform consistently across three weeks, combined with a course that features fewer punishing climbs and only one time trial, could work to his advantage. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe will rely on the tactical strength of having two leaders, hoping to challenge Vingegaard and other rivals more effectively than in previous years. The race dynamics promise an intriguing contest, especially with the course’s balance between climbing and time-trialling stages. Vingegaard’s dominance in recent years has set a high bar, but the emergence of young talents like Pellizzari and the resilience of seasoned riders like Hindley add layers of complexity to the competition. As the Giro unfolds, the battle for the maglia rosa is expected to be fiercely contested, with team strategies and individual form playing pivotal roles in determining who will claim the coveted pink jersey in 2026.