Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini set to do battle, but super strong rivals could surprise them – Analysing the contenders for the Giro d'Italia Women

The Giro d’Italia Women is set to deliver a thrilling contest this year as some of the sport’s top riders prepare to battle for the coveted pink jersey. The race, which takes place from May 30 to June 7, has been rescheduled from July to June to avoid clashing with the men’s Tour de France, creating a unique opportunity for riders to target both the Giro and the Tour de France Femmes. This shift not only promises increased attention on the women’s race but also broadens the field, allowing more contenders to compete at their peak across multiple Grand Tours. Demi Vollering returns to the Giro for the first time since 2021, aiming to complete her Grand Tour set with a victory in Italy. Despite her relative absence from this race, Vollering arrives in excellent form, having already secured seven wins in 11 race days this season. With key rivals like Pauline Ferrand-Prévot absent, Vollering is positioned as a strong favourite, supported by a solid FDJ United-Suez team, although some of her top domestiques are sitting out the Giro to focus on other races. Her climbing prowess and recent altitude training suggest she will be a formidable force on the challenging course. Elisa Longo Borghini, the defending champion, seeks her fourth Giro title amid a somewhat disrupted season due to illness and limited racing since the spring Classics. Despite this, Longo Borghini has been preparing intensively with altitude training on Teide and remains a key contender, bringing valuable experience and tactical acumen to the race. However, the demanding route, highlighted by the iconic Colle delle Finestre climb on stage eight, presents a significant challenge, particularly as the uphill time trial may not play to her strengths. The battle between Longo Borghini and Vollering promises to be a highlight of the race. Beyond the headline rivalry, the Giro features a strong field including riders like Marlen Reusser, Marion Bunel, and Anna van der Breggen, ensuring a deep and competitive general classification battle. The inclusion of the Colle delle Finestre, a gravel climb never before raced in the women’s Giro, adds a dramatic and decisive element to the race’s finale. This stage, mirroring the men’s 2025 Giro finale, is expected to be pivotal in determining the overall winner and could see surprising performances from some of the less heralded contenders. The reshaped calendar and demanding course set the stage for one of the most exciting editions of the Giro d’Italia Women in recent memory. With top riders targeting multiple Grand Tours and a route that tests all aspects of climbing and time-trialling, the race promises to be a defining moment in the 2026 women’s WorldTour season. Fans can expect a fierce contest that not only showcases established stars but may also reveal emerging talents ready to challenge the established hierarchy.