In late 2025, Dutch climber Koen Bouwman faced a challenging season, marked by illness and a significant knee injury that led to his withdrawal from the Vuelta a España. This setback left him feeling mentally defeated for the first time in his career. However, as the 2026 season approaches, Bouwman is optimistic about his prospects in the Giro d’Italia.
Reflecting on the previous year, Bouwman expressed his dissatisfaction:
> “I’m definitely glad that 2025 is over. It was a bad season. I was very, very sick, and it was certainly not what I expected.”
Despite these challenges, he remains confident in his abilities:
> “The legs and the form that I have shown in the past are still there. I have confidence in that.”
This winter, Bouwman has been working with a new coach and has adjusted his training regimen to prepare for the upcoming season. He began his 2026 campaign in Spain, participated in the Tour of the Algarve, and is now focusing on high-altitude training. His race schedule includes the Tour of Catalonia, the Tour of the Alps, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and, if his performance aligns, the Giro d’Italia.
Bouwman is eager to return to the Giro, where he previously secured two stage wins and the mountains classification in 2022. He acknowledges the team’s ambitious goals and is prepared to adapt to the team’s strategy, whether it involves supporting a general classification contender or targeting stage victories.
Looking ahead, Bouwman is determined to prove himself:
> “I want to win a race. Of course, you prefer to do that at WorldTour level, but I am also realistic. The level is currently so incredibly high. For me, everything has to fall into place.”
He remains committed to supporting his teammates, especially the team’s leaders, and is ready to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Koen Bouwman to see if he can overcome the challenges of the previous year and make a significant impact in the Giro d’Italia.