Startlist Volta a Comunitat Valenciana 2026 | Remco Evenepoel, Joao Almeida, Biniam Girmay, Mads Pedersen, Antonio Tiberi and more

The Volta a Comunitat Valenciana 2026 will once again establish itself as one of the first significant European stage races of the season, with a route that, on paper, appears particularly selective. A mix of rolling stages, summit finishes and days featuring constant elevation gain will demand a high physical level from the opening stage, in keeping with a race that has historically served as an early benchmark for riders targeting stage racing form. Below is the preliminary start list for the event.

This year’s edition, scheduled from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 February, will be no exception in terms of difficulty. The course requires teams to field well balanced and resilient squads, as the challenge extends beyond the high mountains to include controlling the peloton on nervous stages, where crosswinds and explosive finishes may play a role. In this context, the work of domestiques will be crucial in keeping team leaders protected and well positioned throughout the five days.

Attention in the general classification is expected to centre on Joao Almeida and Remco Evenepoel. Almeida will lead UAE Team Emirates XRG, supported by a squad that combines experience and youth, including Marc Soler and Adria Pericas, offering flexibility in how the team can respond to different race situations. Evenepoel will be the reference point for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, with Giulio Pellizzari among his key climbing supports. The Belgian is widely viewed as one of the riders capable of making the difference on the hardest stages, with his team tasked with maintaining control in decisive moments.

Bahrain - Victorious approaches the race with a dual leadership structure in Antonio Tiberi and Damiano Caruso. Their complementary profiles and experience provide the team with options across different terrain, particularly in mountainous stages where consistency and pacing will be essential.

Sprint opportunities may bring Lidl-Trek into focus through Mads Pedersen, who will be suited to both reduced group finishes and traditional bunch sprints, backed by a squad able to manage the pace in the closing kilometres. Another storyline will be the debut of Biniam Girmay with the NSN Cycling Team, beginning a new chapter alongside younger teammates, gaining experience at this level of competition.

The start list is further strengthened by representation from WorldTeams, ProTeams and Continental squads, helping to ensure an open and competitive race dynamic. Overall, the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana presents a demanding early-season test, offering insight into the condition of both team leaders and support riders across five consecutive days of racing.