As the cycling world gears up for the Giro d’Italia 2025, attention turns to the riders who may define the race. From seasoned Grand Tour winners to young talents making their debut, the field promises excitement, unpredictability, and fierce competition. The battle for the Giro d’Italia standings will be shaped by mountain goats, time trial experts, all-rounders, and maybe a surprise or two. Here’s our breakdown of the key riders to watch in this year’s edition—those most likely to challenge for the Maglia Rosa and those ready to disrupt the narrative.
1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
Few names in modern cycling generate as much buzz as Pogačar. The two-time Tour de France winner has never ridden the Giro—but 2025 could change that. If he starts, he’ll be the clear favorite thanks to his climbing prowess, time trial consistency, and fearless racing style.
💡 **Strengths:** Explosive climbing, solo attacking, recovery 📈 **Impact:** Likely to lead the Giro d’Italia standings by mid-race if he races aggressively from week one
2. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step)
The Belgian superstar is one of the most fascinating GC riders on the start list. A world-class time trialist with improving climbing form, Remco returns to Italy seeking redemption after his 2023 Giro ended early due to illness—while he was in pink.
💡 **Strengths:** Time trials, early race leadership ⚠️ **Watch for:** Can he handle Italy’s long, high-altitude climbs in week three?
3. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers)
The 37-year-old Brit continues to defy age and expectations. After finishing second in 2023, Thomas could return for one final pink jersey campaign. His Grand Tour experience and tactical intelligence make him a real threat—especially in a race with significant TT kilometers.
💡 **Strengths:** Endurance, discipline, cool head 🎯 **Prediction:** Podium potential if course favors control over chaos
4. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)
Often overshadowed by his team leaders, Almeida has consistently impressed at the Giro. With a top-five finish already under his belt, he’s one of the most consistent GC riders in the peloton. If Pogačar skips the Giro or rides supportively, Almeida may finally lead.
💡 **Strengths:** Steady climbing, never cracks 📊 **Note:** Rarely gains time explosively, but always finishes in the top 10
5. Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)
The Australian climber continues to rise in stature. A proven contender in both the Tour and Giro, O’Connor thrives in the mountains. If he avoids crashes, his aggressive style and week-three stamina could land him a high place in the Giro d’Italia standings.
6. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious)
Italy is always searching for its next Grand Tour champion, and Tiberi may be it. Still only 23, he’s shown great promise in one-week stage races and hillier courses. If he’s given freedom to race for GC, he could be the breakout Italian star of the Giro d’Italia 2025.
🇮🇹 **Status:** Fan favorite 🚴 **Key Watchpoint:** Mountain consistency and pressure handling
7. Thymen Arensman (INEOS Grenadiers)
A crucial domestique for Geraint Thomas in 2023, Arensman is poised for a leadership role. His performances in the Alps last year proved he’s ready for more. If the route suits diesel climbers, expect Arensman to be deep in GC contention by the final week.
8. Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious)
A veteran rider who thrives under the radar, Caruso finished second in the 2021 Giro. While not the flashiest contender, he’s among the most reliable. His calm demeanor and week-three strength make him a top-10 lock—and a podium threat if others falter.
9. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma–Lease a Bike)
Dubbed “the next Evenepoel,” this young Belgian has shown remarkable maturity. 2025 may be his first Giro, but if given GC responsibilities, he could surprise. He’s fearless, well-supported, and already experienced in Grand Tour racing.
10. Dark Horses and Potential Disruptors
- Michael Storer (Groupama–FDJ): A proven climber who may hunt mountain stages or ride GC
- Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious): A threat in high mountains, especially in breakaways
- Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R): An improving all-rounder with solo win potential
These riders may not start as favorites, but history shows that the Giro d’Italia standings are always open to late bloomers, aggressive breakaways, or underdogs turned heroes.
What the Giro d’Italia 2025 Course Could Mean
While the full route is yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest:
- ⏱️ Two time trial stages (totaling 40–50 km)
- 🧗 Four summit finishes including Stelvio and Monte Bondone
- 🌧️ Weather-exposed sections in the Apennines and Dolomites
This favors a well-rounded rider with both endurance and punch. TT experts like Evenepoel will try to gain early leads, while climbers like O’Connor and Pogačar (if he rides) will attack in the final week. The Giro d’Italia standings may shift dramatically from week two to three—as they always do.
GC Battle Outlook
The 2025 edition may shape up as a three-way battle between Pogačar, Evenepoel, and Thomas—with Almeida, O’Connor, and Arensman close behind. But injuries, illness, and tactical surprises are part of Giro tradition. No lead is safe until Rome.
Final Thoughts: Expect the Unexpected
One of the most thrilling aspects of the Giro d’Italia is its unpredictability. The weather, terrain, and three-week grind test riders in unique ways. While pre-race favorites often deliver, the Giro has crowned many surprise heroes—riders who seize their moment when others falter.
As the Giro d’Italia 2025 approaches, keep an eye not just on the stars, but the up-and-comers and stage hunters who could rewrite the script. Because at the Giro, legends aren’t just remembered—they’re made.
