Giro d'Italia GC outsider expects way "more spectacle" without a dominant rider such as Tadej Pogacar at the start
Cycling
Although he's not racing for a star-filled team, nor wins 20 races per year, Davide Piganzoli may be one of the most interesting names out there on the transfer market. Slightly under the radar, the Italian climber grew into a very reliable GC leader at all levels, including a 13th place at last year's Giro d'Italia. Now the 22-year-old comes back for even more.
"I'm definitely coming in with a different level of maturity," he tells Bici.pro after the last stage of Tour of the Alps, "while the work program has remained the same, both before and after the Tour of the Alps. So I did a high altitude retreat, then this race to refine the work and then we're off to the Giro d'Italia. Given last year's results, I think it's the right approach. In general, I feel I've improved a lot and we can hope for the best."
What exactly does Piganzoli refer to as being more mature? "I definitely have more experience and I feel like I've improved physically. I feel stronger on the race pace, I can keep up better with the other GC contenders . When you are young you always have to get used to the pack and improve. I think, with the passing of time and seasons, I will get there. I think the team has also changed for the better."
There's still a week between the final stage of Alps and Grande Partenza, but the Polti VisitMalta rider will use those days catch a bit of respite: "I'll enjoy a moment of rest and then we'll go straight to Albania. This year I'll again keep an eye at the standings, but without too much stress. We are in a small team and I think this is an advantage also to aim for some breakaways and win some stages."
Last year, everyone was dancing in the palm of Tadej Pogacar's hand. But the Slovenian is not defending his Corsa Rosa title. That means a way more open race. "Yes, definitely and I think it will be until the end. As in these days there will be many champions and many riders who will be able to do the race. Without someone able to dominate we will probably see more control but at the same time there will be more spectacle and more space for everyone."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- lol yeah. this is a good onemij12-11-2026
- Mads is the best: I didn’t even know there were rules in cyclocross. I just thought it was a matter of: ‘Go, three, two, one, ride.’ It’s like a street fight, a kind of underground brawl. It’s the MMA of cycling he gives the best quotes.mij12-11-2026
- he's too young. he's 23, so not really a fair call yet.mij12-11-2026
- and don't forget Pidcock's departure. maybe he will never win a GT, but he knows how to light up a race.mij12-11-2026
- Bingo...I was going to say a 12 year obsessed Pogi fan girlie ! Like she's chasing a teen boy band! All glossy eyed about tadej!frieders312-11-2026
- That stint in the Pink was so good. If memory serves he struggled with the champagne cuz he'd never been on the podium before. I feel like it gave him some self-belief, and yeah - then the move to Visma to be one of their lieutenants has really brought him to the best version of himself.wrsty12-11-2026
- So, you never really compared Paul Seixas with his main rival Isaac Del Toro why jump to Pogačar? They've (Paul & Isaac) raced together here and there, and they've both shared in wins and losses, I think they should be compared to each other, even with Vingegaard and Remco first before even touching Pogačar. From your writing it's like he's better than Vingegaard, Remco and Del Toro already that his main target is now Pogačar 🤔Sadick11-11-2026
- gee i hope its a minor injury. a great rider and ambassador for the sport. get well soon Lucinda.
Davide11-11-2026 - some of lidl-treks retention and recruiting has been puzzling in the mens and womens teams.Davide11-11-2026
- Yeah his ride at World's was unreal. Over 6 W/kg for over an hour and a half...he single handedly destroyed the break.DAS11-11-2026
Loading
Write a comment