The Giro d’Italia returns on May 9, 2025, and the stage is set for a dramatic battle across Italy’s toughest terrain. The 108th edition of cycling’s first Grand Tour will begin with three stages in Albania, marking a unique start abroad before the peloton returns to the Italian mainland.

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Five former winners will be on the start line—Nairo Quintana (2014), Richard Carapaz (2019), Egan Bernal (2021), Jai Hindley (2022), and defending champion Primož Roglič (2023). Roglič, who recently crushed Juan Ayuso in the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya, enters as the overwhelming favorite.

Primož Roglič: The Man To Beat

Primož Roglič enters the 2025 Giro d’Italia as the most decorated Grand Tour rider in the field. A four-time Vuelta a España champion, Roglič also claimed the 2023 Giro with a legendary late charge on Monte Lussari that overturned Geraint Thomas. Though not the reigning champion, his pedigree and recent win at the Volta a Catalunya make him the man to beat in Italy.

The Slovenian headlines a stacked Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe team that also features Hindley and 2024 Giro runner-up Daniel Martínez.

But he’ll have serious challengers. UAE Team Emirates brings the talented Juan Ayuso and Adam Yates. Visma–Lease a Bike counters with Simon Yates, while Richard Carapaz leads EF Education–EasyPost and Mikel Landa rides for Soudal Quick-Step.

Derek Gee: Canada’s GC Hope

All eyes in Canada will be on Derek Gee. After his breakout performance at the 2023 Giro—where he earned four second-place stage finishes and won the combativity award—Gee went on to finish ninth overall at the 2023 Tour de France. This season, he’s been even better, winning the overall at O Gran Camiño and placing third at the Tour of the Alps. The Israel–Premier Tech rider now enters the Giro as a legitimate general classification contender.

Climbers And Stage Hunters To Watch

The GC fight will also include young talents like Antonio Tiberi (best young rider in 2024), Romain Bardet (riding his final Giro), David Gaudu, and Giulio Ciccone. Other mountain men to watch: Damiano Caruso, Thymen Arensman, Einer Rubio, and Max Poole.

Wout Van Aert, Tom Pidcock, and Marc Hirschi make their Giro debuts and will target hilly stages and breakaways, while Mads Pedersen and Olav Kooij are set for sprint battles. Kooij, already with three wins this year, earned his first Giro stage win in Naples and will face Kaden Groves, Matteo Moschetti, and a resurgent Sam Bennett in the bunch sprints.

Giro Time Trials

Time trialists will also have their chances, with two stages against the clock. Watch for specialists like Edoardo Affini, Joshua Tarling, Brandon McNulty, Mattia Cattaneo, Jay Vine, and Daan Hoole to shine.

The Top Riders Press Conference will take place May 8 in Tirana, setting the stage for what could be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent years.

With a deep field of past winners, rising stars, and Canadian hopes resting on Derek Gee’s shoulders, the Giro d’Italia 2025 is ready to deliver three unforgettable weeks of racing.