From Egan Bernal to Jonas Vingegaard and more: the complete Giro d'Italia 2026 start list

The Giro d’Italia 2026 promises an exciting contest despite some notable absences from its start list. Two prominent riders, Joāo Almeida and Richard Carapaz, have withdrawn due to illness and recovery from surgery respectively, leaving the field slightly less crowded at the top. However, the race’s leading favourite, Jonas Vingegaard, is set to make his debut in the Giro with Visma-Lease a Bike, generating considerable anticipation. Vingegaard’s participation ensures a high level of competition, although he will face stiff challenges from other strong contenders. Among those likely to challenge Vingegaard are Adam Yates, who boasts three top-10 finishes in the Tour de France, and the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team, featuring 2022 winner Jai Hindley, rising Italian talent Giulio Pellizzari, and consistent performer Alexandr Vlasov. Pellizzari, having recently won the Tour of the Alps, is targeting a podium finish, signalling his emergence as a serious contender. Other riders to watch include Felix Gall of Decathlon CMA CGM and Derek Gee-West of Lidl-Trek, who finished fourth in last year’s Giro but has struggled recently due to illness. The race will not only be a battle for the general classification but also a showcase for sprinters who will target the flatter stages scattered throughout the 21-day event. Fast finishers such as Kaden Groves, Ethan Vernon, and Paul Magnier are expected to contest these opportunities, including the opening stage in Bulgaria and the final sprint in Rome. These stages add an additional layer of excitement and tactical complexity to the race, ensuring that various types of riders have moments to shine. The comprehensive start list reflects a broad and competitive field, with teams fielding a mix of experienced leaders and promising young talents. Alongside the headline names, squads such as Bahrain Victorious, EF Education-EasyPost, and Netcompany-Ineos bring depth and strategic options to the race. This diverse roster sets the stage for dynamic racing across Italy’s varied terrain, promising a Giro d’Italia that will captivate fans and test the riders’ endurance and skill. With the race set to unfold over three weeks, the Giro d’Italia 2026 will be a pivotal event in the cycling calendar, especially with Vingegaard’s debut and the absence of some expected contenders. The competition is poised to be fierce, and the evolving tactics and performances will be closely followed by enthusiasts worldwide. The event’s outcome could have significant implications for the season’s grand tours and the careers of emerging stars, making it a must-watch for the electric motorsport and cycling community.