Visma | Lease a Bike has largely finalized its selections for the Grand Tours in 2026. The Giro d'Italia lineup is already set in stone, barring any unexpected developments. The sudden departure of Simon Yates caught them off guard, leaving the final spot for the Tour de France somewhat open. For the Vuelta a España, several riders are in contention for the remaining places.
WielerFlits managed to uncover all the names for the Grand Tours during the team’s media day. Starting with the Giro d'Italia. That roster is fully confirmed. Jonas Vingegaard will target the overall victory and within the team they openly acknowledge that with the Danish leader they have the top favorite. In the mountains, he can rely on Wilco Kelderman, Sepp Kuss, and talent Davide Piganzoli. There is also a spot reserved for Victor Campenaerts and positioner Timo Kielich. Bart Lemmen and Edoardo Affini complete the selection.
The biggest Dutch cycling team will again not send countrymen to the Tour de France next summer. With Vingegaard, they will once more aim for the overall win, just like at the Giro. Again, he will be supported by Campenaerts and Kuss. Matteo Jorgenson is expected to deliver extra firepower on the climbs. The American has put aside his own GC ambitions. All-rounders Wout van Aert, Bruno Armirail, and Christophe Laporte are there to guide Vingegaard through the flat stages. Simon Yates was originally expected to be part of the team. His status is still under discussion, but it’s likely that Ben Tulett will fill the final spot.
Four riders are already confirmed for the Vuelta a España, provided no surprises occur in the coming months. The goal there is to pursue stage wins with Matthew Brennan and Van Aert. Additionally, Jorgen Nordhagen aims to achieve the best possible GC result. Tulett was also expected to race in a free role, but his program may change due to Yates' withdrawal from the Tour squad. Steven Kruijswijk is also confirmed; the Vuelta starts in his hometown Monaco.
Many riders are vying for the last three or four spots, depending on the final objectives. For example, Filippo Fiorelli is planned to serve as Brennan’s lead-out this season. He will likely ride alongside Brennan in that role. If Tulett does indeed contest the Tour and skips the Vuelta, there’s also a chance that Tijmen Graat will prepare for his Grand Tour debut. Other talents such as Menno Huising and Per Strand Hagenes are also on the longlist for Vuelta participation.
Rising star Matthew Brennan - photo: photo agency Cor Vos
