Czech Tour 2026: Landa, Sheehan and Umba Lead a High-Profile Startlist

The RaceThe Czech Tour returns to the calendar on August 13, 2026 in the Czech Republic, with a startlist that promises excitement. The race, of procontinental category, will see 123 riders ready to battle on Czech roads.No details are available on route, distance, or elevation gain, but the race's tradition suggests challenging stages suited to climbers.Expected ProtagonistsAmong the entrants, Mikel Landa (Soudal Quick-Step) stands out as the most decorated profile, joined by Mauri Vansevenant and a competitive squad. Also watch out for Riley Sheehan (NSN Cycling Team), fresh from an important victory, and Santiago Umba (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali), in great form. Keep an eye on Alessandro Fancellu (MBH Bank CSB Telecom Fort) and Czech Jakub Otruba (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA), who will race in front of his home crowd.Results This YearLooking at season results, Riley Sheehan won the Lotto Circuit de Wallonie on May 14, 2026, showing excellent condition. Santiago Umba took victory at the GP Vorarlberg on May 1 and second place at the Trofeo Alcide Degasperi on June 2. Alessandro Fancellu finished fourth at the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkiye and fifth at the Tour of Hainan, both notable placements in stage races. Jakub Otruba was second at the Czech National Championships (stage race) on June 25, while Mauri Vansevenant placed seventh at the Amstel Gold Race, a WorldTour classic. Matteo Fabbro (Solution Tech NIPPO Rali) collected a sixth place at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali and a ninth at the Tour of Hainan.Favourites for VictoryThe race promises to be balanced. Mikel Landa starts as the favourite based on his technical value, but the lack of recent documented results leaves some uncertainty. Riley Sheehan has shown he can finish selectively, while Santiago Umba has displayed remarkable consistency. Alessandro Fancellu is another serious contender, strong on his continuity in stage races. Also watch Jakub Otruba, who knows the home roads perfectly and will want to perform well in front of the Czech crowd.The NSN Cycling Team fields a competitive block with Sheehan, Hirt, Bennett and Schultz, which could control the race and play multiple cards — source: Czech Tour 2026 pre-race analysis