Lidl-Trek has finalized an eight-rider lineup for the 2026 Tour de France, positioning 23-year-old Spanish climber Juan Ayuso as the primary leader for the general classification podium campaign.
The race starts July 4 in Barcelona.
Ayuso, who recently secured third place overall at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes despite a brief post-race viral illness, will share protected GC rider status with Mattias Skjelmose.
The team surrounding them features heavy mountain support from Derek Gee and Carlos Verona, alongside versatile riders Mathias Vacek, Toms Skujiņš, Quinn Simmons, and sprinter Mads Pedersen.
Team Time Trial Focus
The American-owned squad heavily targeted the opening 19.6-kilometer team time trial in Barcelona, deploying windtunnel aerodynamic optimization and specialized pacing strategies.
The goal is to establish an early advantage in the overall standings.
Ayuso expressed confidence in his preparation and outlined his primary strategic approach for navigating the grueling three-week grand tour route safely.
"The goal is obviously to be on one step on the podium of Paris.
It's still going to be three weeks of hard work, and we will see what we can achieve.
Everything can change in the Tour on any day," he said.
He emphasized the importance of saving energy early: "It's important to just not lose time and save energy in the first stages.
We have some hard days in the first week but it shouldn't be too crazy until the weekend of the second week.
There and throughout the last week the GC will be decided."
The young Spaniard, who completed a high-profile transfer from UAE Team Emirates-XRG last summer, noted that he embraces entering the race with less media pressure than defending champion Tadej Pogačar and rival Jonas Vingegaard.
"I do like that they have more exposure, more pressure than me, and then I can do a bit of my own thing," Ayuso said.
Despite a disrupted spring sequence that included a crash at Paris-Nice and stomach issues in the Basque Country, Ayuso remains optimistic about his physical conditioning.
"It's been a bit trickier than what I would have hoped for at the beginning of the year, but I think with all things considered, I'm coming here in good shape," he said.
Ayuso specifically identified 19-year-old French racer Paul Seixas as a formidable, aggressive competitor to monitor during the mountain stages.
"I think he's a true racer," he said.
Reflecting on the final target, the Spanish rider reiterated that his newly joined team holds high stakes for the conclusion in Paris.
"I think both the team and I dream of being on the podium in Paris," Ayuso said.
Ayuso also noted that widespread public perceptions about his racing personality do not match his true character within the peloton.
"Undoubtedly, yes. A different story has been told of me.
Even coming here to this team (Lidl-Trek), when I speak with everyone and get to know all the staff, everybody's told me that I'm completely different to what they had in mind.
And I'm like, 'Yeah, but if you read the f***ing press!'" he said.
He emphasized that his ultimate professional drive remains focused on translating his potential into a grand tour victory.
"I don't want to say it's a matter of time because then everybody will take it out of context or whatever, and especially this year I think it's going to be very difficult, but, totally, in my mind I do see that it can happen," Ayuso said.
Secondary Goals: Sprint Wins and Green Jersey
Beyond general classification ambitions, the squad possesses a secondary target in two-time Tour stage winner Mads Pedersen.
He targets sprint victories and the green jersey classification despite recovering from lingering wrist pain caused by a February crash in Valencia.
"The feeling is pretty good, especially now after Nationals. It was nice to pin the numbers again and be back racing.
It's been a long time, so it's always nice to see how it feels when other guys are in the peloton and pushing the limits as well," Pedersen said.
"The main goal for the Tour is winning a stage, and then we're trying to aim for the green jersey as well, even though new points system is not in our favor.
But nothing is impossible, and we have seen other riders do it before where we didn't expect it so we offer the challenge and believe we can do it."
Pedersen openly acknowledged that his wrist required prolonged recovery following a grueling spring classics campaign on harsh terrain.
"My wrist was hurting a bit; there's no need to beat around the bush about that," he said.
The Danish sprinter opted to skip the Baloise Belgium Tour in June to focus purely on isolated training under medical guidance to avoid further joint aggravation.
"I had the choice between racing in Belgium or training, and I felt more comfortable with training.
My coach and doctor also said that was the best option," Pedersen said.
Sports Director Steven de Jongh summarized the team's tactical philosophy, highlighting the depth of talent available to animate multiple aspects of the 21-stage race.
"The main big goals for the team are finishing up high in the general classification with Juan and of course with Mads trying to win the green jersey, plus we would like to win stages.
Juan is our GC leader and we also have Skjelmose in a protected role.
Derek Gee is a very important rider in the climbs and can be a satellite rider in mountain stages and crucial help for Juan and Skjelly," de Jongh said.
"Of course, we have Mads. He will go for green and almost doesn't need an introduction.
He is so strong and competitive in the sprints and even on days when sprinters will normally get dropped he can survive.
He is crazy good at going in the breakaway, so is Vacek who can join him there.
Same for Quinn, he is also in good shape and just won the Nationals so he can give support when he needs, like riding in the valleys, and go in the break if there is a chance.
Carlos can give support and protection to the riders, while Toms has a similar role to Vacek to help position Mads and give protection to Juan and Skjelly on the days where they need it.
We've had great preparation for the TTT and have high expectations of being competitive," he added.
The 3,333-kilometer race features eight mountain stages and ends on July 26.
