Back Pello Bilbao for a top-five GC push — stay patient in week one, then trade blows on the highest passes.
Role · Bahrain climb specialists shepherd Bilbao; hunt stage wins from the break when the GC picture allows.
Key riders
Who matters on this squad
Bikes & gear
Bike
Merida Scultura / Reacto
Groupset
Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Wheels
Fulcrum Wind 55
Tires
Vittoria Corsa Pro
Cockpit
—
Saddle
—
Pedals
—
Kit
Santini
Helmet
Rudy Project
Eyewear
Rudy Project
Nutrition
Amacx
Roster
Provisional squad — official eight-rider start list pending
Official letour.fr startlists will replace this desk list when the eight-rider squads are confirmed.
Squad read
Why to watch
Why to watch: squad-specific read will publish with the official Tour start list.
Best stage types
Stage profile data pending
How they race
Strengths
Pello Bilbao — consistent top-five GC candidate on climbing-heavy routes · Patient racing style suited to three-week peaks in week three · Climb specialists who can set tempo without overextending early · Opportunistic stage hunters when the GC picture allows a satellite rider
Weaknesses
Rarely matches Pogačar/ on the steepest back-to-back mountain days · Limited sprint card — cedes flat stages to dedicated trains · Must stay out of trouble in opening-week crosswinds and crashes
Recent wins
Official games · 2025 edition · Tour Culture · Bahrain Victorious · 2026 Edition
Franchise totals include predecessor team names where ProCyclingStats rolls history together. Prize pools follow UCI / race organiser published tables for the cited season. Confirm live totals on linked palmares pages before publishing.
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Check race facts on letour.fr and team sources. Analysis and previews are editorial and may be AI-assisted. Weather, rosters, and gear can change.