A tour that is not part of the WorldTour but still promises quality and excitement - that is exactly what the Tour of the Alps is. Five days, hardly any sprint opportunities and several demanding mountain stages ensure that the overall classification is decided exclusively among the strongest mountain riders. The climbs are long and even, which plays into the hands of riders with consistently high wattages. At the same time, the race is often unpredictable, as many riders come from training and their form is difficult to assess. The weather can also play a major role in mid-April, with rain and cold temperatures not uncommon. It is therefore impossible to identify a clear top favourite, but several candidates have what it takes to snatch victory in the race.
The favourites to win the tour
Giulio Pellizzari is the most promising rider, who is also regarded as one of the greatest climbing talents in the field. With his third places at the Tour of Valencia and Tirreno-Adriatico, the young Italian showed strong form early on and is also expected to contest the Tour of Italy after the Tour of the Alps. Pellizzari has yet to win a Tour of Italy, so the Tour of the Alps 2026 seems perfect for him. Michael Storer also has an ideal profile for this tour and has already shown that he can win such week-long mountain races. In 2025, the Australian won this stage race, which was also his greatest success with his stage wins at the Vuelta. He has achieved solid results this season, but it is unlikely to be enough for the very front this year.
The opposite is true for Thymen Arensman. With his consistency in the high mountains and his time trial strength, the Dutchman is a very complete tour rider. He finished second at the last Tour of the Alps. Arensman has also not been able to achieve any significant successes this season. For Storer and Arensman, as for Pellizzari, the Tour of the Alps is the form check before this year's Giro d'Italia, where all three will be in their teams' line-up.
The same applies to Egan Bernal as to Ben O'Connor. His form is always difficult to assess, but with good legs he is an immediate candidate to win at this level. Aleksandr Vlasov also has the necessary class and experience, but is likely to be busy helping Pellizzari. Meanwhile, Derek Gee and Paul Double are considered underdogs. Mathys Rondel is also an absolute underdog, but that could help the three of them. Flying under the radar often harbours the potential for surprises at the Tour of the Alps.
Overall, it is noticeable that many teams are entering the race with several options - INEOS with Arensman and Bernal or Bora with Vlasov and Pellizzari. This also speaks in favour of a tactically open race in which team strategies can play a major role.
Leon Weidner
Working student
