Arensman, Bernal and Ganna lead Netcompany INEOS' 'super-team' at 2026 Giro d'Italia; De Lie and van Eetvelt lead Lotto
Cycling
Netcompany INEOS have revealed their lineup for the 2026 Giro d'Italia, with its riders putting on the new jersey in pursuit of big goals. The British team is having many of its leaders in the Corsa Rosa, where they aim to return to the battles for the three-week races.
“It’s a new chapter for us racing as Netcompany INEOS, and the Giro feels like the right place to start it. We’ve got two good GC leaders in Thymen and Egan - who’ve both performed well at the Giro before," team director of racing Geraint Thomas said in a press release.
The lineup revolves around the team's GC ambitions as a priority, with Thymen Arensman and Egan Bernal both entering as podium contenders, following their second and third places at the Tour of the Alps.
“They’re going well and highly motivated to go there, race hard and get the most out of it. We’ve got a strong team around them who can be competitive on all types of terrain. We’ll be looking to go and race aggressively and get as much from it as possible. There’s a long individual TT which is a big focus for us and will also be important for the GC. The team has started really well so we’re looking at continuing that momentum.
The British team however has an incredibly strong lineup, prepared for all terrains - when it comes to protecting its leaders but also chase stage wins. Thomas, a former runner-up at the Corsa Rosa, is well aware of the dangers that lurk in the first Grand Tour of the season.
“So much can happen in the Giro - the weather is often a factor and the terrain makes it hard as well - especially with a final week that’s always super-difficult. Things can go right or wrong pretty quickly, so it’s about being adaptable and ready for those moments.”
Filippo Ganna comes in as a versatile weapon to use: The likely main favourite to win the race's key time trial in Massa; support for his leaders for the flat and hilly stages; tactical weapon for breakaways where he can also chase wins; and leadout for Ben Turner.
Turner comes in as one of the best sprinters in the field but above all one that can climb very well, meaning INEOS can use aggressive tactics to try and take him to a few stage wins, aside from breakaway hunting and working for his team of which he also has a lot of experience.
Magnus Sheffield provides another piece for extensive work in all terrains, aside from chasing breakaway wins on the many hilly days that will suit him well. On major domestique roles will mainly be Connor Swift as road captain; whilst in the mountains the team also has Jack Haig and Embret Svestad-Bardseng.
Filippo Ganna will be one of the Giro d'Italia's headliners
Egan Bernal: “The Giro is always a special race for me and I’m excited to be back racing it again, and with this group of riders. I feel calm, well prepared and motivated to be competitive again. We have a strong group and that gives us confidence, so we’ll race together and aim to be up there in the GC.”
Thymen Arensman: “I’m coming into the Giro in a good place and really motivated for this race. Sharing leadership with Egan gives us strength, and we’ve got a team that can support us throughout. For me it’s about being consistent, staying focused each day and taking opportunities when they come.”
Filippo Ganna: “The Giro for me is always incredibly special, and such a source of pride for every Italian. I’m really happy about the opportunity that the individual time trial in Tuscany presents to go for a win, and there’s also a stage finish close to my parents home which will be very special. We have clear ambitions for the GC and I’ll give everything to support that, while also taking my chances when they come".
Netcompany INEOS for Giro d'Italia 2026:
| Riders |
| Egan Bernal |
| Thymen Arensman |
| Filippo Ganna |
| Jack Haig |
| Magnus Sheffield |
| Embret Svestad-Bardseng |
| Connor Swift |
| Ben Turner |
Lotto-Intermarché have, in a similar way to INEOS, brought many of its big weapons to Italy to try and achieve a stage win. Arnaud de Lie is the headliner in the Belgian team's '8', coming off a fresh victory at the Lotto Famenne Ardenne Classic.
The Belgian rider has said that he would likely withdraw from the race at around the halfway point, most likely to prepare later on for the Tour de France. He is backed up by Milan Menten in the sprints, who will then take over the leading position.
Lennert van Eetvelt has also been on growing form over the past month following an injury, and will be an interesting stage hunter for the hilly and mountainous days.
The team is debuting Toon Aerts in the Grand Tours - the cyclocross specialist is one of the new bets in the team, specially after a strong spring classics campaign. He will be chasing a stage win in breakaways alongside Jonas Rutsch, Joshua Giddings; and Italian duo Lorenzo Rota and Simone Gualdi.
Lotto-Intermarché for Giro d'Italia 2026:
| Riders |
| Arnaud de Lie |
| Toon Aerts |
| Simone Gualdi |
| Milan Menten |
| Lorenzo Rota |
| Jonas Rutsch |
| Joshua Giddings |
| Lennert van Eetvelt |
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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