INEOS Grenadiers are reportedly lining up a two-pronged leadership for the Giro d'Italia in 2026, placing Egan Bernal and Thymen Arensman at the forefront of the British team's ambitions for the season's first Grand Tour.
La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Bernal and Arensman have been identified as the team’s reference riders for the Corsa Rosa, as the Giro’s start list takes shape and teams disclose their plans.
This strategic move comes as INEOS Grenadiers continues to refine its broader Grand Tour approach for 2026. With Carlos Rodríguez and Kevin Vauquelin likely to target the Tour de France, and Oscar Onley potentially stepping into a central role if the anticipated signing becomes official, the Giro emerges as a prime arena for implementing a distinct leadership structure.
Bernal returns to the Giro with unfinished business, while Arensman offers steadiness and consistency. The Colombian rider already has Giro glory from 2021, followed by a serious accident that paused his momentum. He came back to the Italian Grand Tour in 2025, finishing seventh overall and securing a stage podium as his best single result that year.
If selected, the 2026 Giro would mark Bernal’s third appearance at the race, which continues to hold significant symbolic value in his career. Arensman, for his part, would be aiming for continuity and depth of experience, entering what would be his fifth straight Giro start, including three with INEOS Grenadiers. His strongest performances arrived in 2023 and 2024, both placing him sixth overall, while he finished 29th in the most recent edition.
Filippo Ganna is also anticipated to play a pivotal role in the time trials, most notably the stage from Viareggio to Massa. The Italian rider is eyeing further opportunities at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in the early season, with the Giro offering additional chances for stage successes while contributing to the team’s general classification goals.
Although INEOS Grenadiers have not issued an official statement yet, La Gazzetta dello Sport’s report suggests that Bernal and Arensman will form the core of the team’s Giro d'Italia leadership plan for 2026, signaling a strategic shift that could shape the race’s dynamics for the season ahead.
