Five riders to watch at the Tour of the Alps

Rudy Porter is a fascinating rider to follow. After a strong 2022 season, he turned professional with Team Jayco AlUla in 2023 and was developing well until his progress stalled in 2024. A pinched artery in his left leg forced him into a long rehabilitation, ending his season as early as May. It even looked like it could be the end of his professional career, as he failed to secure a contract for 2025.

However, he returned in 2025 with the Australian national team and finished 16th at the Tour Down Under. On paper, that result may seem modest, but given what he had been through, it represented a major personal victory. It was enough to earn him another shot at the pro level, rejoining the same team in 2026.

So far, he has understandably been easing his way back, riding consistently and supporting his teammates. That is likely to be his role again here, but the nature of the race and Porter’s profile could open up opportunities if the race situation allows it.

Matteo Vanhuffel comes from a strong cycling background as the son of former professional Wim Vanhuffel. He is also the cousin of Milan Donie, another highly rated young rider currently with the Lotto Intermarché development setup.

Riding for the development team of Team Picnic PostNL, Vanhuffel was a standout junior in 2023 and 2024 and transitioned smoothly into the U23 and even professional level in 2025. This edition of the race looks like an ideal opportunity for him to take the next step.

He lines up here with the WorldTour squad, and with no clear team leader, he may be given the freedom to ride for himself. That could allow him to test his limits and aim to stay with the best riders for as long as possible. The parcours suits him well, and the ceiling appears high.

Davide De Cassan spent the past two seasons racing with Team Polti VisitMalta before stepping down to the Continental level in 2026 with General Store Essegibi F.lli Curia.

That change has not diminished his motivation to prove himself. At the Giro di Sardegna, he secured an impressive seventh place in the general classification, underlining his ability to compete at a solid level.

The Tour of the Alps offers him another important opportunity, this time riding for the Italian national team. Against a strong field, a convincing performance could help him earn a return to the pro ranks, much like Porter managed after his own setback.

Domenico Pozzovivo is a far more familiar name, but his presence here is no less compelling. Following the collapse of Team Qhubeka NextHash in 2021, he struggled to secure long term stability, yet continued to perform whenever given the chance.

At nearly 42, he stepped away from the sport in 2024. Since then, he has become a father and completed his studies, but he never truly stopped riding. Regularly appearing near the top of Strava leaderboards, he has clearly maintained a high level of fitness.

Now back in the peloton, Pozzovivo will be eager to measure himself against a new generation. His experience and climbing ability could still make him a factor on the right terrain.

Jack Ward arrives in strong form after finishing second in the U23 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège U23. A week earlier, he also claimed second overall at the Circuit des Ardennes.

As an Australian, he has had limited exposure to European racing so far, which makes those results even more noteworthy. Carrying that momentum into this race could be key.

He lines up alongside Derek Gee, who finished on the podium here last year and can offer valuable guidance. At the same time, Gee has struggled for form in recent races, which could open the door for Ward to take on more responsibility if opportunities arise.