The Tour’s Grip Tightens: Why the Giro d’Italia is Becoming Cycling’s Second Choice
The numbers don’t lie: Tadej Pogačar’s historic 2024 Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double was an anomaly, a feat not replicated since Marco Pantani in 1998. Now, as organizers desperately attempt to lure Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel to the 2026 edition, they’re facing a stark reality – the Tour de France’s gravitational pull is stronger than ever, and the Giro is increasingly viewed as a strategic stepping stone, or worse, a risk not worth taking.
The “Defizzed” Route: A Calculated Gamble
RCS Sport’s unveiling of the 2026 Giro route is a clear admission of this power dynamic. By reducing the overall climbing, minimizing time trial kilometers, and softening the traditionally brutal final week, they’re explicitly attempting to lessen the fatigue associated with the Giro-Tour double. It’s a course designed not to test the absolute limits of grand tour riders, but to prepare them for the Tour. While stages like those featuring the Passo Giau and Piancavallo will still provide challenges, the overall severity is demonstrably lower than in recent years.
The Pogačar Paradox: A Blueprint or a Blip?
Pogačar’s success in 2024 undeniably raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Could a rider truly conquer both grand tours in a single season? However, replicating that achievement is far from guaranteed. As Eddy Merckx himself has suggested, Pogačar’s performance was exceptional, and shouldn’t be considered the new normal. The physical toll is immense, and the risk of peaking too early, or arriving at the Tour depleted, is substantial. The Giro, for many, is becoming a calculated gamble – one that often doesn’t pay off when the ultimate goal is yellow.
The Visma-Lease a Bike Dilemma: Tour Focus Above All
For teams like Visma-Lease a Bike, the equation is simple. After two consecutive defeats at the Tour de France to Pogačar, “Project Yellow” takes precedence. While Vingegaard might harbor a desire to complete his grand tour collection, the team’s priority is to dethrone the Slovenian. Sending Vingegaard to the Giro, even a softened version, introduces unnecessary risk. As the team has demonstrated, they’re willing to prioritize the Tour, even if it means deploying other strong contenders like Simon Yates and promising young talent Davide Piganzoli at the Italian race.
Evenepoel’s Crossroads: Classics, Giro, or Tour?
Remco Evenepoel’s situation is equally complex. His move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe was predicated on a Tour de France challenge, and the team’s investment hinges on a strong performance in France. The initial allure of the 2026 Giro, fueled by rumors of a substantial time trial component, has diminished with the confirmation of only 40km against the clock. That distance simply isn’t enough to justify the potential disruption to his Tour preparation. A more logical path for Evenepoel lies in focusing on the Classics and then dedicating his full energy to the Tour, a strategy that aligns with his team’s ambitions.
The Time Trial Factor: A Decisive Weakness for the Giro
The reduction in time trial kilometers is a critical misstep by RCS Sport. Time trials are a key strength for riders like Evenepoel, and a significant opportunity to gain valuable time. Reducing this element diminishes the Giro’s appeal to these specialists and reinforces the perception that it’s a race geared towards climbers. As Cyclingnews.com details, the modern grand tour requires versatility, and a lack of time trialing opportunities makes the Giro less attractive to a broader range of contenders.
The Inescapable Gravity of La Grande Boucle
Ultimately, the Tour de France’s dominance isn’t simply about prestige; it’s about economics, media exposure, and global reach. Winning the Tour elevates a rider to a level of fame and fortune that the Giro simply can’t match. This reality forces riders and teams to make difficult choices, and increasingly, the Tour is winning out. The Giro d’Italia is at risk of becoming a proving ground, a training exercise, or a consolation prize – a fate it desperately needs to avoid.
What does the future hold for the Giro? Perhaps a renewed focus on showcasing Italy’s stunning landscapes and challenging climbs, even if it means sacrificing the allure of attracting the absolute top contenders. Or maybe a radical reimagining of the race format to create a truly unique and compelling event. One thing is certain: the Giro d’Italia must evolve to reclaim its place as a premier cycling destination, or risk being permanently overshadowed by the Tour de France. Share your thoughts on how the Giro can regain its prominence in the comments below!
