The 2026 Tour de France has already seen some surprising performances, with several riders exceeding expectations despite not yet claiming stage wins. Here's a breakdown of some of the in-form riders so far, with a focus on those who have stood out for their potential and overall impact on the race.
Biniam Girmay
Girmay, the former green jersey winner, has been a standout performer this year. While he hasn't won a stage, his performances have been encouraging, especially considering his frustrating stretch since his 2024 Tour success. Girmay's strength lies in his ability to perform on slightly lumpier stages, which have not been a feature of this Tour yet. Despite this, he has already finished third and second on stages 7 and 8, respectively, showcasing his resilience and speed. Girmay's outkicking of stage 5 winner Olav Kooij on stage 8 is a testament to his capabilities. He's emerged as a top contender for the points jersey, challenging Mads Pedersen, and will have further opportunities to shine in the coming days.
Huub Artz
Artz, a rider with a big engine, has also exceeded expectations. He stepped up to fill the void left by Arnaud De Lie, who had to withdraw due to illness. Artz's presence in the mix for sprints in WorldTour races, let alone the Tour de France, is notable. While he may not have the speed to win stages, his performance has earned him a spot among the riders who have outperformed expectations. Artz's ability to keep up with the top sprinters is a significant achievement, and he's certainly one to watch as the race progresses.
These riders' performances highlight the unpredictability of the Tour de France and the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion. As the race continues, we can expect further surprises and exciting developments as the riders battle for the coveted jerseys and the overall victory.
