While the 2025 Giro d’Italia may lack the star-studded presence of the Tour de France, it’s poised to offer exciting, dynamic racing from start to finish. With Tour de France champions Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Remco Evenepoel all opting to skip this year’s race, the Giro will certainly be full of unpredictable action, as riders look to capitalize on the absence of one of cycling’s most dominant forces.
While some have labeled this year’s Giro as one for “Pogacar-avoidant wannabes” or “nearly men,” this dismisses the quality and potential of the talented field taking part. Notable riders such as past Giro winners Primoz Roglic, Jai Hindley, Richard Carapaz, and Egan Bernal all line up in what promises to be a thrilling competition in the mountains and beyond.
Roglic, the Favourite, Sees Opportunity in Pogacar’s Absence
The absence of Pogacar—arguably the sport’s most dominant rider—has shifted the spotlight to the riders remaining in the field. With Roglic being one of the few riders to regularly challenge Pogacar in recent years, he now enters the 2025 Giro as the favourite, a role he relishes, particularly in the absence of the Slovenian. Roglic’s resume includes four Vuelta a España wins, making him a seasoned Grand Tour competitor with experience in high-pressure situations.
For Roglic, the Giro offers more than just another Grand Tour title; it is an opportunity to test his form and mental resilience ahead of another showdown with Pogacar in the Tour de France. His team manager, Rolf Aldag, emphasized the importance of entering the July race with confidence, suggesting that success in the Giro could serve as the perfect morale booster for the battles to come.
Young Talents and Resurgent Riders Eyeing Their Moment
While Roglic starts as the likely favourite, the absence of Pogacar has opened the door for other riders to make their mark. Among them, 22-year-old Juan Ayuso of UAE Team Emirates is one to watch. Ayuso has consistently shown ambition, and with Pogacar’s absence, he has made it clear that he aims to lead his team and perform at the top level. Having finished a respectable fourth in last year’s Tour de France, Ayuso’s confidence is growing, and he sees this Giro as an opportunity to assert himself, targeting a top-three finish.
For Tom Pidcock, the 2025 Giro presents an exciting debut opportunity. After making the switch from Ineos Grenadiers to the Q36.5 team, Pidcock has re-established himself as one of cycling’s rising stars. While he’s ruled himself out of the overall contention, he’s eager to seize any opportunities that arise during the race. His team’s qualification as a wildcard entry has given them a chance to compete on the grand stage, and Pidcock is eager to enjoy the experience and look for moments to shine, especially in the race’s opening stages in Albania, which feature punchy climbs and a short time trial.
The Threat of Other Contenders
While Roglic and Ayuso may dominate the headlines, there are other serious threats lurking in the field. Simon Yates, a teammate of Wout van Aert on Jumbo-Visma, could also be a strong contender. Yates has had some strong performances this season, including an impressive showing in the Volta a Catalunya, where he nearly clinched victory. Though van Aert won’t contend for the overall due to illness and less-than-ideal preparation, Yates may still have the legs to challenge the likes of Roglic and Ayuso.
Another rider hoping to regain his former glory is Egan Bernal, who was once considered one of cycling’s brightest stars before a horrific crash in 2022 threatened his career. Bernal has been slowly rebuilding himself since then, and while he’s unsure if he can return to his previous level, his determination remains unwavering. As the Ineos Grenadiers leader, he’s embracing every day as an opportunity to improve, and there’s no doubt that his experience and resilience could come into play during the race.
A Wide-Open Giro
The 2025 Giro d’Italia may not feature Pogacar, but that doesn’t mean it will lack drama or excitement. The absence of one dominant rider means that the door is wide open for a host of talented cyclists to step into the spotlight. Roglic, Ayuso, Pidcock, Yates, and Bernal are just a few of the names who will look to capitalize on this rare opportunity. As the race gets underway, fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable battle for the pink jersey, one that will likely keep everyone on the edge of their seats until the final stages.