Netcompany INEOS names extremely aggressive team for the Tour de France: 'Seize every opportunity to win'

Netcompany INEOS has now also announced its team for the 2026 Tour de France. The British team says it is heading to Barcelona with a “strong and highly experienced squad,” with the primary goal being to race aggressively and put on a spectacular show. INEOS left it late, possibly due to the multiple injuries and illnesses they've suffered in the late spring. They are the second-last team to announce their line up.

INEOS has one goal at the 2026 Tour de France: to win. “From the opening stage—the team time trial—all the way to the final week, the team will take control of the race and seize every opportunity to win,” they say. Director of Racing Geraint Thomas explains, “This team is made up of some fantastic riders who love being in the spotlight.”

"They’ll have the freedom to go all out and race aggressively over the next three weeks. We didn’t come to this Tour to follow the race, but to shape it. The team time trial in Barcelona offers a great opportunity to get off to a strong start. We’ve performed well in this discipline this year, so we’ll give it our all. From now on, we’re going all out, and we’re ready for the challenge,” said Thomas.

To that end, it is counting first and foremost on the duo of Thymen Arensman and Egan Bernal, who also competed in the Giro d’Italia. “I’m really happy and proud to have been selected for the Tour this year. I think the Giro d’Italia is good preparation, and I’ve taken the time to recover and take care of my body,” said Arensman.

Arensman has great memories of last year’s Tour. “And I’m motivated to be back and see what we can achieve. We have a strong team and really good team chemistry, which is always very important,” concluded the Dutch climber.

Bernal, for his part, calls it a “special race.” “And I’m grateful and happy to be racing at this level again. I feel good, I’m motivated, and I’m ready to give it my all for this group of riders,” said the 2019 Tour de France winner.

With Tobias Foss, Filippo Ganna, and Joshua Tarling, INEOS is bringing three strong, proven riders. That certainly bodes well for the team time trial on Day one. The British team has also selected Dorian Godon and Michal Kwiatkowski, two dangerous contenders for a stage win.

Last but not least: Kévin Vauquelin, who finished seventh in last year’s Tour. “As a French rider, the Tour is always an incredible experience to be a part of. And this is my first one with Netcompany INEOS, so it’s going to be even more special. This is a strong team, and I’m looking forward to racing aggressively, attacking, and winning,” said the Frenchman. Vauquelin had been a doubt following a lingering illness contracted at the Tour Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, but now appears to be fit.