Giro d'Italia 2026: Walscheid, Denz & Co. These are the Germans in the Tour of Italy

On 21 stages over 3400 kilometres, with almost 50,000 metres in altitude. That's the Giro d'Italia 2026, the first Grand Tour of the year. It quickly becomes apparent: some stages are predestined for relaxing, while others are all the more difficult. The eight German riders who have been sent to Italy by their teams will also have to tackle this challenging route. However, the eight Germans will not be riding for the overall classification, they have other roles in their teams. We took a closer look at what these roles look like and who the eight pros are.

Max Walscheid and Tim Torn Teutenberg

The two riders of the Lidl - Trek team have a very similar profile. With Jonathan Milan, they probably have the strongest sprinter in the team, which is why both are firmly planned for the sprint train. As lead-out riders, they are even likely to be riding one behind the other when there are only a few kilometres to the finish line on flat sections. However, the racing team also has a third rider for Milan, who will probably be the last one out of the wind: Simone Consonni.

Due to the dual focus with the sprint train on the one hand and overall classification ambitions on the other, Walscheid and Teutenberg will also have to provide assistance on the mountainous stages at the start. A stage win for the two is unfortunately rather unlikely due to Milan's strength. However, there is a small chance on an undulating "classics stage". Should Walscheid get into a strong group, he is in a position to win a sprint. The same applies to Teutenberg, although his prospects are somewhat less favourable.

Pascal Ackermann and Felix Engelhardt

Team Jayco AlUla also has two German riders in the line-up for the Giro d'Italia. While Felix Engelhardt is clearly in the role of support rider, Pascal Ackermann can slip into the lead role in the sprints. With a team that is clearly aiming for the overall classification with Ben O'Connor, the sprint train is unfortunately correspondingly weak. Ackermann is likely to have a tough time in the finale of the flat stages, especially against the absolute top sprinters, who also have a long sprint train. But: the experienced pro knows how to position himself and can snatch a stage win with a lot of luck. He already knows what that feels like. He has already won three stages and the sprinter's jersey at the Tour of Italy.

Nico Denz and Ben Zwiehoff

Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe is also relying on the support of two Germans. Nico Denz and Ben Zwiehoff, both 32 years old, are experienced helpers. The focus is clearly on the overall classification. In Giulio Pellizzari they have one of the best talents, but at 22 he definitely needs the help of his older team-mates. In addition to this task, Denz showed what he is capable of last year. Two stage wins on hilly terrain at the same time, that cries out for a repeat performance. With his full focus on the overall classification, he should also get the opportunity to join the breakaway group on one or two occasions.

Jonas Rutsch and Florian Stork

For Jonas Rutsch from Team Lotto Intermarché, it's a case of working in the sprint train for Arnaud de Lie as well as for Lennert Van Eetvelt on the difficult stages. He will probably only get a few chances to get into a group, but he feels comfortable on undulating terrain and could provide a surprise victory in a stage.

Florian Stork, meanwhile, is the only German rider on a team that is not part of the WorldTour. Nevertheless, he has the clear task of supporting Michael Storer in the mountains for the Tudor Pro Cycling Team. As for Jonas Rutsch, his role means that he is unlikely to get a chance to get into the group of the day. But if he does, he should try to make the most of it.