Jonas Vingegaard (Visma–Lease a Bike) will make his Giro d'Italia debut this year and will also participate in the Tour de France – the new concept aims to leave behind the recent years' ruler, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).
Having lost the last two Tours convincingly to Pogačar, Vingegaard is approaching the new season with a different strategy. The team is convinced that chasing a Giro victory could improve his chances in the second Grand Tour as well. "Besides the fact that Jonas has always wanted to ride the Giro, we are convinced that completing the Giro will raise his level for the Tour," said Visma race director Grischa Niermann. "Of course, our goal is to win the Giro, but the Tour remains our main target."
To prepare for the Grand Tour double, Vingegaard will start his season on February 16th at the UAE Tour, with the Volta a Catalunya, starting on March 23rd, being his final race before the Giro. Vingegaard has already won two Tours and most recently triumphed at the Vuelta a España, which means a Giro victory in May would make him only the eighth man in history to have won all three Grand Tours. Although the Tour remains the main goal, he is also very eager for the pink leader's jersey.
"I've been thinking about participating in the Giro for quite some time. It is one of the biggest races on the calendar and also one where I have never ridden before. I really want to experience it, and now feels like the perfect time," said the 29-year-old Dane. "Last autumn's Vuelta victory gives me extra motivation to go all-out for the win in Italy as well. I would really love to add the pink jersey to my collection."
Winning both the Giro and the Tour is crucial for Visma's ambitions in 2026, but at the Vuelta a España, the focus will shift to stage wins. Matthew Brennan will make his Grand Tour debut there, leading the team alongside Wout van Aert.
Media day scenes. 🎞️#beyondvictory pic.twitter.com/VPcy57q9RS
— Team Visma | Lease a Bike (@vismaleaseabike) January 13, 2026