Jonas Vingegaard adds Davide Piganzoli to Tour de France 2026 squad

Jonas Vingegaard has bolstered his Tour de France 2026 team by signing 23-year-old Italian climber Davide Piganzoli as a key lieutenant for his title defense against Tadej Pogačar.

The move comes after Paris-Roubaix winner Wout van Aert was ruled out of the Grande Boucle with an infected elbow, forcing Visma-Lease a Bike to reshuffle their eight-man squad for the 4-26 July race.

What happened?

Visma-Lease a Bike announced Piganzoli’s inclusion alongside Sepp Kuss, Matteo Jorgenson, Bruno Armirail, Victor Campenaerts, Per Strand Hagenes, and Edoardo Affini.

Piganzoli impressed in May’s Giro d’Italia, finishing eighth overall while helping Vingegaard secure the pink jersey. “You saw what kind of steps he made over the last couple of months,” said Marc Reef, the team’s sports director.

The Dane is chasing a third Tour title after sweeping all three Grand Tours earlier this year. His last two Tours ended in second place behind Pogačar.

Why it matters for Jonas Vingegaard

Vingegaard has not finished below second in any three-week race since his Vuelta a España debut in 2020. His rivalry with Pogačar has defined the last two Tours.

Reef admitted van Aert’s absence is a major blow. “It’s difficult to replace a rider who has made such a big difference on so many occasions,” he said.

Piganzoli’s form at the Route d’Occitanie-where he won a three-day stage race at the weekend-sealed his spot. Visma released a video of Piganzoli calling it “amazing.”

What comes next?

The Tour de France starts on 4 July in Florence and finishes on 26 July in Paris. Vingegaard’s squad will target the high mountains and time trials to defend his crown.

Piganzoli will focus on protecting Vingegaard in the Alps and Pyrenees, where the Dane excels. The Italian’s climbing strength adds depth to a team already packed with GC contenders.

Visma’s eight-man line-up blends experience and youth. Kuss, Jorgenson, and Armirail bring Grand Tour pedigree, while Affini and Campenaerts add classics experience.

How the squad shapes up

Strand Hagenes makes his Tour debut after a strong spring campaign. The Norwegian’s aggressive style could surprise rivals in breakaways.

Vingegaard’s clean sweep of Grand Tours in May proves his fitness. Now he must translate that into a third Tour victory in four years.

Reef stressed the team’s focus remains simple: “We want to win the Tour de France.” Every rider, including Piganzoli, is tasked with making that happen.