Giro Next Gen: Tudor Pro Cycling Development Team Dares to Dream of Giro Glory

The Giro Next Gen is one of cycling’s most prestigious platforms for the sport’s rising stars. This year, the Tudor Pro Cycling Development Team heads to southern Italy with a strong and versatile squad, ready to tackle eight demanding stages, covering 1,093 kilometres and climbing more than 15.000 meters.

12.06.2026

Team and Ambitions

Unlike the professional Grand Tours, where teams take the start with eight riders, the U23 Giro d’Italia allows only six. Tudor Pro Cycling brings a squad with clear roles, blending versatility and ambition and targeting both stage wins and developmental steps. Sports Director Alex Krieger outlines the goals: “Our primary goal is to win a stage while staying true to our race DNA with a daring, offensive racing style. Beyond that, we have several process and individual development goals for the Team and the riders.”

Fighting for Every Opportunity

The Team’s approach is multi-layered: while Jan Huber aims for a strong GC result, Baptiste Lecoq and Johan Eltoft support the GC effort on critical stages. Jesper Stiansen targets punchy finishes, while Oliver Mätik and Diego Casagrande share road captain duties and play pivotal roles in both strategy and execution. “We’ll go through all the highs and lows together, and we’ll fight for our goals every day,” Alex emphasises.

Facing Grand Tour Challenges

Temperatures in southern Italy can soar into the 30+ Celsius range, demanding careful management of effort and sharp focus. The largely unfamiliar roads present an added tactical challenge, making positioning and teamwork essential for success.

Rider’s Voice:

For Jesper Stiansen, the race is a season highlight, and with already two wins to his name this season, the 21-year-old Norwegian looks ahead confidently: “The dream is to win a stage, and I think this year’s Giro Next Gen offers good opportunities and punchy finishes that suit my style. With this squad, I’m convinced we’ll be performing strongly as a Team – that’s the key to success.”

Despite a crash and minor injury at the Tour de l’Oise, Jesper feels ready. His preparation back home in rather chilly Norway even included heat training on the rollers to adapt to the Italian climate.

The Giro Next Gen starts on Sunday, 14 June, from Reggio Calabria and concludes one week later with the 22km Tudor Individual Time Trial in L’Aquila, central Italy.

Our Team for the 2026 Giro Next Gen:

Diego Casagrande (SUI)

Johan Eltoft (DEN)

Jan Huber (SUI)

Baptiste Lecoq (FRA)

Oliver Mätik (EST)

Jesper Stiansen (NOR)