The 2026 Grand Tours GC contenders - Who is targeting which race?

Is he going to complete his Grand Tour set? That’s the 2026 question for Jonas Vingegaard. Everything seems to point that way. And after UAE Team Emirates’ team presentation, it would set up a rematch of the Dane’s duel with João Almeida at this year’s Vuelta, even if neither looked to be at their absolute best.

Other riders to watch are Red Bull’s duo Giulio Pellizzari and former Giro winner Jai Hindley, who could get into the mix if they take a step forward. That matters, because if Vingegaard does go to the Giro (to be announced in January), managing his effort there becomes the key to what happens in July. For Vingegaard, the ideal scenario would be to get through the Giro as economically as possible while still winning, then arrive in July at full strength for another showdown with Pogačar.

After the Giro appetizer, July brings the main course. With all the Aliens at the start Pogačar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel and two emerging powerhouses Red Bull and Lidl-Trek going all-in on Le Grand Boucle, the ingredients are there for three spectacular weeks. 

The only caveat is how much real suspense we will get, judging by the last two editions where Tadej Pogačar was dominant, and the fact that a potential Giro detour for Vingegaard would hardly maximise his chances of arriving as the very best version of himself.

When it comes to planning, the Vuelta is always the odd one out. While the Giro and Tour are typically the first races pencilled in for the men’s GC contenders, the Vuelta often ends up as the final Grand Tour of the year, a chance to salvage a season when earlier goals fall short or injuries derail the original plan.

Even so, 2026 already has a marquee showdown on the calendar. Four time winner Primož Roglič will try to move past Roberto Heras with a fifth Vuelta victory, but he will have to fend off João Almeida, who finished second this year behind Jonas Vingegaard.