The 2026 Tour de France is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse group of North American riders taking to the roads of France. Among the eight riders from the continent, six are Americans, one is Canadian, and one is Mexican, marking a significant moment in cycling history. The presence of these riders is not just a testament to their individual talents but also to the growing strength of North American cycling.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's Tour is the return of Mexico to the race. Isaac del Toro, a 22-year-old from Baja California, is the first Mexican to start the Tour since Miguel Arroyo in 1997. Del Toro's presence is a significant milestone, and his performance will be closely watched by cycling fans in Mexico and beyond. His primary mission will be to support Tadej Pogačar in his pursuit of another yellow jersey, but don't be surprised if he also goes for a stage victory or even a podium finish.
The United States provides the backbone of the continent's presence at the Tour, with six starters. This is one more than in 2025 and about the average over the past 15 years. Among the Americans, Matteo Jorgenson stands out as the highest-ranked in the peloton. Jorgenson, from Idaho, is a versatile rider who can climb, time trial, and be consistent across three weeks. His main job will be to support Jonas Vingegaard in his challenge for the yellow jersey, but he could also see opportunities to chase a win later in the race.
Sepp Kuss, another popular American rider, is back for another Tour de France. Kuss, from Colorado, has become cycling's ultimate super-domestique, playing a pivotal role in nearly every Visma Grand Tour triumph of the modern era. His sacrifice for his leader, Jonas Vingegaard, is a testament to his dedication and loyalty. Kuss's presence is a reminder of the depth of talent in American cycling.
Matthew Riccitello, from Arizona, is another promising young American Grand Tour rider. He arrives at his first Tour de France with a breakthrough 2025 season under his belt, finishing fifth overall at the Vuelta a España. This season, he has continued his steady rise with three victories and seventh overall at the Tour de Suisse. Riccitello will help guide Paul Seixas, a 19-year-old French sensation, through one of the most anticipated Tour debuts in years.
Brandon McNulty, from Arizona, returns to the Tour de France for the first time since 2022. He is part of the UAE Emirates-XRG squad built around Pogačar's bid for a record-tying fifth yellow jersey. McNulty's role will be to help control the tempo deep into the mountains, and he could also get opportunities to chase a stage victory.
Sean Quinn, from California, returns for his second Tour after a challenging two seasons marked by a second knee surgery. He joins an EF Education-EasyPost team focused on hunting stage victories. Without a GC contender, Quinn should have opportunities to chase breakaways on the Tour's hilly and medium mountain stages.
Quinn Simmons, from Colorado, returns for his fourth Tour de France determined to finally claim the stage victory that's eluded him. Simmons will wear the U.S. national champion's jersey at the Tour for the third time, giving American fans another chance to cheer one of the peloton's most aggressive attackers. Lidl-Trek will be racing to support Juan Ayuso, but Simmons is hopeful he will get a few shots at breakaways on the Tour's rolling and medium mountain stages.
The presence of these North American riders at the Tour de France is a significant development in the sport. It is a testament to the growing strength of North American cycling and the increasing global recognition of the continent's talent. As the race unfolds, these riders will not only be competing for individual glory but also for the pride of their nations and the advancement of cycling in North America.
