Stage 1 of the 2026 Czech Tour covers 163.2 km from Prague to Karlovy Vary over a hilly profile that concludes with a flat finish, rewarding punchy all-rounders who can survive the undulations before sprinting or attacking in the closing kilometres. The 2.Pro classification ensures a competitive but not Grand Tour-level field, opening the door for strong riders from ProTeam squads. Teams with depth — notably Soudal Quick-Step and INEOS Grenadiers — will look to control the race and deliver their leaders.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Mikel Landa is simply in a class of his own in this startlist. His Hills rating of 77, combined with Legendary rarity and the backing of Soudal Quick-Step, makes him the banker pick for Stage 1. He lines up here ahead of La Vuelta, suggesting he will be motivated to find form early.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mikel Landa tops the startlist with a Hills rating of 77 and is the highest-rated rider in the field by a clear margin. His Legendary rarity and pedigree make him the overwhelming favourite for a hilly stage finishing in Karlovy Vary.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Joe Blackmore matches Landa on Hills (77) and is a genuine threat if the race comes down to a select group sprint after the lumpy finale. Jordan Jegat brings four top-10 finishes in similar races over 90 days, showing he consistently features on puncheur terrain despite a high average position.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Joe Blackmore matches Landa's Hills score of 77 and brings solid all-round numbers including a Sprint of 69, making him dangerous if the finish comes down to a reduced group. His Epic rarity and NSN Cycling team support elevate him to strong contender status.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies
Jordan Jegat has a Hills rating of 76 and has registered four top-10 finishes in similar-profile races over the last 90 days, though his average position of 29.7 suggests inconsistency. His best result of 7th in hills races shows genuine capacity to challenge on the right day.
★★
Dark Horses
Jack Haig and Mauri Vansevenant both sit at Hills 76 and are backed by the two strongest teams in the race, giving them tactical advantages beyond their raw stats. Mats Wenzel is the form pick at this tier — ten races, one podium, four top-10s — and could outperform his lower Hills score of 73.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Jack Haig carries a Hills score of 76 and benefits from the organisational depth of INEOS Grenadiers, who have multiple riders in the top ten of the startlist. His Climbing of 75 ensures he won't be dropped on the lumpy roads between Prague and Karlovy Vary.
Kern Pharma
Kern Pharma
Mats Wenzel has the best sustained recent form among the mid-tier hills riders, averaging 15.3 across 10 similar-profile races with a podium and four top-10 finishes. His Hills rating of 73 is respectable and his form curve points firmly upward.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Mauri Vansevenant rates 76 for Hills and rides for a powerful Soudal Quick-Step squad that also features Landa, giving the team real tactical options. He is a capable attacker on puncheur terrain and could benefit from team dynamics if Landa is marked.
★
Ones to Watch
Alessandro Fancellu and Andrew August both have podium results in similar-profile races and sit in the Hills 74 band, making them credible if the race fragments. Santiago Umba stands out for his best result of 2nd and a 13.2 average position, while Luca Covili adds a consistent outsider option with a best of 7th across six hills outings.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Alessandro Fancellu averages 14.9 across seven hills races with a best of 3rd and a podium to his name, making him one of the better form riders in the field. His Hills score of 74 is competitive and he rides for MBH Bank CSB, which has team depth in this race.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Andrew August has a Hills rating of 74 and has claimed a podium in similar-profile races over the last 90 days across six starts, averaging 18.7. The INEOS Grenadiers domestique could be freed to go for a result if the team's cards are played right.
Bardiani CSF
Bardiani CSF
Luca Covili averages 14.0 across six similar-profile races and has a best finish of 7th, giving him a reasonable track record in this type of terrain. His Hills rating of 72 and Bardiani CSF support make him a credible long-shot on Stage 1.
Solution Tech NIPPO
Solution Tech NIPPO
Santiago Umba is the standout form rider in the data, averaging 13.2 across five hills races with a podium and a best result of 2nd. His Hills rating of 71 is slightly lower but his recent performances demand inclusion as an outside threat.
Verdict
Mikel Landa is the clear top favourite with the highest Hills rating in the field and Legendary status, supported by a powerful Soudal Quick-Step team. Joe Blackmore and Jordan Jegat are his most credible challengers, with Mats Wenzel and Santiago Umba the form dark horses to watch.