ANALYSIS: Primoz Roglic’s 5 biggest challengers to win the 2025 Giro d’Italia

In less than a week, the first Grand Tour of the season gets underway — and the Giro d’Italia 2025 promises to be one of the most unpredictable editions in years. All eyes will be on Primoz Roglic, the seasoned Slovenian and reigning Vuelta a España champion, who enters the race as the standout favourite.

Roglic, the only member of cycling’s current “Big Four” (Roglic, Pogacar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel) lining up in this year’s Giro, will lead Red Bull – BORA - hansgrohe in pursuit of his second Maglia Rosa, having won the race in 2023. With two time trials and a powerful support squad including Daniel Martínez, Jai Hindley, and rising star Giulio Pellizzari, the stage is set for Roglic to take control.

But the path to victory is anything but guaranteed. Several top contenders are determined to challenge him. Here are five riders who could threaten Roglic’s bid for Giro glory:

The 21-year-old Spaniard headlines UAE Team Emirates - XRG’s Giro squad and will enjoy his perhaps best chance yet at winning a Grand Tour. Ayuso has the raw talent, climbing strength, and time trial ability to go head-to-head with the best. He pushed Roglic in the Volta a Catalunya, finishing just behind him, and will look to build on that performance. With a solid team around him and a hunger to make a name for himself, Ayuso is Roglič’s most exciting young challenger.

Though riding for the same team as Ayuso, Adam Yates won’t simply play the support role. UAE Team Emirates has already confirmed a co-leadership model for the Giro, which could create internal fireworks in the mountains. Yates has experience, form, and motivation on his side — especially knowing he’ll be a domestique for Tadej Pogacar at the Tour de France later in the summer. Expect him to seize this opportunity and go all-in.

The other Yates twin joins Team Visma – Lease a Bike this season and will target stage wins and a strong GC result at the Giro, before shifting to a supporting role for Jonas Vingegaard in July. Backed by climbing aces like Wout van Aert, Wilco Kelderman, and Steven Kruijswijk, Simon Yates has the support and the legs to surprise, especially in the high mountains.

The eternal enigma of Spanish cycling, Mikel Landa remains a potent force on the climbs. His Achilles heel, as always, will be the time trials — but in the mountains, he can match nearly anyone on his day. The Soudal - Quick-Step rider was quietly strong at the Volta a Catalunya, finishing fourth just under a minute behind Roglic and Ayuso. Expect “Landismo” to make headlines in the decisive third week.

Italy’s great new hope. While Giulio Ciccone also deserves a mention, Tiberi is emerging as the most complete Italian GC prospect in years. Just 23, the Bahrain - Victorious rider already has a 5th-place Giro finish to his name and boasts an ideal blend of climbing talent and time trial ability. If fully recovered from his stomach issues at the Tour of the Alps, he could be Italy’s best chance for a podium — or more.

Whether Roglic can turn his favourite status into a second Giro win remains to be seen — but with this level of competition, it’s bound to be a thrilling ride through Italy.