Eurosport experts think an outsider could win the Giro d'Italia 2024: "I expect Evenepoel, Roglic, Vingegaard and Pogacar to ride the Tour de France"

In a new episode of Eurosport podcast Kop over Kop, Jeroen Vanbelleghem, Jan Hermsen and Sander Valentijn take a look on the new Giro route. What is striking is that next year will be much different compared to previous years. Only the time trial kilometers remain the same.

The very first thing Vanbelleghem notices is that the course is significantly different from other years. "There is a kind of break in style. While the third week is normally very difficult, it is now not too bad. The stages are also much shorter. I was pleasantly surprised by that," he continues. "It's more balanced." He also notices that there are many opportunities for the sprinters. "With a little imagination I count nine."

The race will include 68 time trial kilometers, something that would usually draw interest from Remco Evenpoel. However the chances he'll be at the start of the Giro d'Italia seem slim. "The big four will all want to win the Tour de France," Hermsen notes. "And winning the Giro and the Tour this season is almost impossible. I expect Evenepoel, Roglic, Vingegaard and Pogacar to ride the Tour de France."

And that is why the Giro d'Italia seems to be a wonderful opportunity for those who are normally considered outsiders. Some of the names often mentioned are Cian Uijtdebroeks or Thymen Arensman. Even if nobody has yet agreed to be heading for the Giro. In any case, all three gentlemen are looking forward to one stage. "Stage 6! There we have thirteen kilometers of gravel. It'll be a must watch!"