'A strong team which you can divide into two groups' – Ambitious SD Worx-Protime set sprint and GC targets for Giro d'Italia Women

SD Worx-ProTime enters the 2026 Giro d’Italia Women with high ambitions, targeting both overall general classification success and multiple sprint victories. The team’s dual focus is embodied by their star riders: Anna van der Breggen aims for a top-five finish in the GC, while Lorena Wiebes, a dominant sprinter with five Giro stage wins, seeks to claim the coveted pink jersey for the first time. The race begins on May 30 in Cesenatico, and the team manager Danny Stam emphasises the squad’s strength and versatility, describing it as effectively split into two groups to pursue these distinct goals. Van der Breggen, a four-time overall Giro winner and seven-time podium finisher, is returning after a challenging previous year when illness and crashes hampered her performance. Recent results, including a stage win and second place at the Vuelta España Femenina, have boosted her confidence ahead of the Giro. She is also balancing the Giro as part of a demanding season that includes all three Grand Tours, with her performance here potentially serving as preparation for the Tour de France Women. On the sprinting front, Lorena Wiebes is supported by a strong lead-out team featuring Barbara Guarischi, Elena Cecchini, and Femke Gerritse. Wiebes has consistently excelled in flat stages but has yet to wear the leader’s pink jersey, making this a key objective for her. Veteran riders like Guarischi and Cecchini bring valuable experience to the team, with Cecchini competing in her final Giro after a long career spanning 13 seasons. The team’s mountain support for van der Breggen includes Mikayla Harvey and the rapidly improving Valentina Cavallar, whose development has earned her a place in the squad. This balance of sprint and climbing specialists reflects the team’s strategic approach to the varied terrain of the Giro. With a roster blending seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, SD Worx-ProTime is well-positioned to challenge across multiple fronts in one of the most prestigious women’s stage races.