‘It's worth a shot' - Will Barta to take aim at top result Giro d'Italia TT in break from GC support duties

Will Barta, the American rider for Tudor Pro Cycling, will primarily serve as a support rider for his team’s general classification (GC) leaders Michael Storer and Mathys Rondel during the 2026 Giro d’Italia. However, he has been given the opportunity to contest the individual time trial on stage 10, a 42-kilometre route from Viareggio to Massa, where he hopes to achieve a notable personal result. This marks a rare chance for Barta to ride for himself in a Grand Tour, as his main role throughout the race will be to assist his teammates in the mountains and protect their GC ambitions. Barta’s time trial credentials are strong, having finished second in the 2020 Vuelta a España’s time trial stage behind eventual winner Primož Roglič, and securing a silver medal at the 2023 US National Time Trial Championships. Despite the stage 10 course being flat and not ideally suited to his climbing-oriented strengths, Barta remains optimistic about his chances. He acknowledges that competing against larger, more powerful riders on a flat TT is challenging but feels the effort is worthwhile. His preference for more undulating terrain reflects his smaller physique and climbing ability, which has historically given him an edge in uphill time trials. The American rider also discussed the early stages of the Giro, noting the nervous atmosphere typical of sprint finishes and expressing relief at avoiding the mass crash that marred stage 1. Having recently recovered from a shoulder injury sustained at the Tour of the Alps, Barta highlighted the importance of staying safe and conserving energy for his support duties. The delayed arrival of the first major mountain test on stage 7 provides him with additional recovery time, which will be crucial for his role in aiding Storer and Rondel through the demanding Blockhaus climb. Looking ahead, Barta is embracing his new environment at Tudor after four years with Movistar, appreciating the fresh opportunities the team offers. While his primary focus remains on supporting the GC contenders, the upcoming time trial presents a moment for him to showcase his individual talents. His measured approach combines team loyalty with a readiness to seize personal chances, illustrating the dual nature of his role in this year’s Giro d’Italia.