Can Mathieu van der Poel be the Giro d'Italia's unexpected star? "We've still got some negotiations open with some big riders" Vegni says

The Giro d'Italia was finally presented last night and we've got the first look at what the riders will face throughout three weeks in Italy (plus Albania and Slovenia briefly). Race director Mauro Vegni virtually assured last night that Tadej Pogacar will not return to defend his title, but one report hints at an unlikely headliner...

"We've still got some negotiations open with some big riders. Some have confirmed they'll ride the Giro and some have said they won't but I hope by the end of the month, we'll know exactly who will be at the start of the Giro in Albania," Vegni told Cyclingnews. 

There will be no worries about the lack of quality riders though, as several GC contenders such as Primoz Roglic, Daniel Martínez, Mikel Landa, Adam Yates, Juan Ayuso, Romain Bardet, Antonio Tiberi, Nairo Quintana and more have confirmed their presence. Simon Yates is also heavily rumoured to be part of the Corsa Rosa and we should learn soon about teammate Jonas Vingegaard's intentions (whilst Visma will certainly have both Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij present).

Read also

Pedal Punditry #18 - Let them cook... The 2025 Giro d'Italia route looks good and should provide more action than the Tour and La Vuelta

Cyclingnews reports that one name the organizers are in touch with is Mathieu van der Poel, who has openly talked about how the Tour de France is a race that does no longer motivate him the same way. Ironically, this year the opening week of the Tour features several hilly finales that suit the former World Champion, but it's possible that a decision was already taken as he will focus on mountain biking this year and racing an alternative Grand Tour is a very realistic and at the time being likely option.

Van der Poel could make his Vuelta a España debut, however it's feasible that he could make a return to the Giro after the classics campaign which should end with Paris-Roubaix this year. The Giro features finales like Matera (stage 5) and Vicenza (stage 13) that suit the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider quite well, and at the time being neither Jasper Philipsen or Kaden Groves are set to race the Italian Grand Tour.

Vegni still hopes to convince a few more big names to be at the start in Tirana, and believes Tadej Pogacar's presence last year was quite a positive experience. "Last year Pogacar was the stand-out name. He didn't 'kill' the race because he's a huge draw and so people came to see him race and to win. He did that but for 2025 the important thing is that the riders fight for victory on every stage, right to the end in Rome."

Read also

Profiles & Route 2025 Giro d'Italia - 3 days in Albania, mini Strade Bianche; Finestre and Mortirolo headline mountain stages

"It's logical that he won't do the Giro" - Tadej Pogacar will not be in Albania, says Giro d'Italia director

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate cycling experience—subscribe today for access to the latest cycling news

Subscribe