The Czech Tour GC is a 2.Pro stage race with a mountain profile and a mountain summit finish, rewarding pure climbers and strong all-rounders capable of limiting losses across multiple days. The presence of several ProTeam squads — INEOS Grenadiers, Soudal Quick-Step, and TotalEnergies — elevates the tactical complexity despite the race's regional billing. August timing and Czech roads typically produce selective racing on the final climbs.
★★★★
Topfavoriet
Mikel Landa stands alone at the top of the climbing rankings with a stat of 79, a full three points clear of the next group. His Legendary rarity and Grand Tour pedigree make him the strongest pick on paper for a mountain-finish GC, and his upcoming Vuelta appearance suggests he will arrive in form.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa leads the startlist with the highest climbing stat (79) and is a Legendary-rarity card, making him the clear favorite on a mountain-finish GC. His experience in Grand Tours and major stage races gives him the edge over the field at this 2.Pro event.
★★★
Sterke Kanshebbers
Jordan Jegat and Jan Castellon share the 3-star tier as the riders combining high climbing stats (76 and 75 respectively) with the most meaningful recent evidence. Jegat's 11-race sample and Castellon's podium in similar terrain give both men a realistic shot at the overall podium.
Caja Rural
Caja Rural
Jan Castellon (climbing 75) has the most encouraging results in similar-profile races, including a podium finish and four top-10s across nine starts, averaging 22.4. His Caja Rural team should provide solid support on mountain stages.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies
Jordan Jegat posts a climbing stat of 76 and has the best recent form among active riders with 11 similar-profile races and a best result of 7th. His consistent sample size and solid all-round numbers (76 hills, 67 sprint) make him a genuine GC threat.
★★
Buitenbeentjes
Jan Hirt, Jack Haig, and Alessandro Fancellu form the dark-horse tier. Hirt and Haig both carry a climbing stat of 75 with strong team support, while Fancellu's sharp recent form (6.0 average position) signals he could punch above his 73 climbing rating if conditions suit.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Alessandro Fancellu leads all riders in recent form with a 6.0 average finishing position across one similar-profile race, and is confirmed in the Czech Tour startlist. His climbing stat of 73 and hills of 74 are respectable for a rider showing this kind of sharp form.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Jack Haig has a climbing stat of 75 and benefits from a strong INEOS Grenadiers squad with multiple climbers in the field. Despite a tough recent average (42.2 over six races), his pedigree and team resources make him a credible dark horse.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Jan Hirt carries a climbing stat of 75 and has raced seven similar-profile events recently, posting a best of 9th and averaging 15.7 — the second-best average position in the field. He is also scheduled for La Vuelta after this race, suggesting peak form.
★
Om in de Gaten te Houden
Joe Blackmore, Luca Covili, Mauri Vansevenant, and Bob Jungels round out the selections as intriguing outsiders. Blackmore's elite hills stat (77) and Covili's documented top-5 result in similar races make them the most likely of the four to spring a surprise, while Vansevenant and Jungels provide additional INEOS/SQS firepower.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Bob Jungels offers a well-rounded profile (climbing 73, TT 71, cobbles 70) and INEOS backing that gives him options on a multi-day mountain GC. His time-trial ability adds an extra dimension should any stage feature a decisive test against the clock.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Joe Blackmore is an Epic-rarity card with the highest hills stat in the field (77) and a solid climbing score of 73, offering genuine upside on punchy mountain terrain. His sprint of 69 could also help if the finish comes down to a reduced group.
Bardiani CSF
Bardiani CSF
Luca Covili has a climbing stat of 73 and the best documented result among riders with multiple similar-profile appearances, recording a 5th place best across seven races. His consistent presence in mountain races makes him a reliable one to watch.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mauri Vansevenant brings a climbing stat of 73 and an outstanding hills rating of 76, fitting perfectly for a mountain-finish GC. Racing for Soudal Quick-Step alongside Landa, he could either support or emerge as a factor if the race situation allows.
Verdict
Mikel Landa is the overwhelming favorite thanks to his world-class climbing rating of 79 and Legendary card status, with Jordan Jegat and Jan Castellon representing the most credible challengers based on their combination of stats and proven recent results in similar-profile races.