INEOS Grenadiers reveal their lineup for the Volta a Catalunya as Bernal's unexplained absence continues

The INEOS Grenadiers have announced their lineup for the Volta a Catalunya 2026, presenting a balanced squad of climbers and all-rounders, but without fully clarifying the situation surrounding Egan Bernal,which will not be present in Spain next week.

The British team is expected to rely on shared leadership, with Carlos Rodríguez as the main general classification contender, supported by Laurens De Plus, who should play an important role in the mountain stages. Oscar Onley could also be an interesting option for the overall standings after showing strong form in recent one week races.

The lineup is completed by Bob Jungels, Dorian Godon, Victor Langellotti and Per Strand Hagenes Svestad-Bardseng, riders who provide versatility across different terrains, from hilly stages to potential breakaway opportunities.

Egan Bernal has only raced the Colombian National Championships this season, debuting his national champion’s jersey in his only European appearance so far, at the Faun-Ardèche Classic (1.Pro).

After winning the national championships, Bernal said that for now, everything is going according to plan, showing that his winter preparation had gone smoothly and without any setbacks.

"For the moment, everything is going well. I keep working with my feet on the ground, because to win in Europe, you’ll be up against Roglic, Remco, Pogacar, Almeida or Vingegaard. There are so many really strong riders."

His comments suggested that the Colombian rider is in a good place physically and that his off-season work had been completed without problems, allowing him to start the season with confidence while remaining aware of the extremely high level of competition in the European peloton.

However, the races continue to appear on the calendar, and there is still no sign whatsoever of the Colombian rider. INEOS remains in complete silence.

The selected squad suggests that INEOS aim to fight for the general classification, although without clear dominance, in what is expected to be a highly competitive edition of the Volta a Catalunya.