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.
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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."
