Harper, Plapp and Zana lead modest Team Jayco AlUla lineup for Giro d'Italia

The Australian Team Jayco AlUla team have confirmed their lineup for the upcoming Giro d'Italia and it will be one that will focus on fighting for stage wins, alongside a potential Top10 GC result. The team will not have it's sprinters Michael Matthews and Dylan Groenewegen present, but will provide an opportunity for many of it's riders to chase strong results.

Team manager Brent Copeland said in a press release: “It has always been a great thrill for us to announce the team that will race the Giro d’Italia. The Italian race is not only one of the main events on the international cycling calendar, but it is also an event which we feel particularly attached to from a sporting and emotional point of view. The ‘pink race’ always provides a mix of emotions and those who love this sport cannot help but love the Giro.

“I’m very happy to be at the start of the 2025 edition of the Giro d’Italia," GC leader Chris Harper added. "It will be my second participation in the event after my debut in 2020. I think I have reached a good level of preparation, and my intention is to gradually grow throughout the three weeks of the Giro and then really give it my all in the last week when the Alps will be very decisive. The route is, like always, very selective, and each stage can hide pitfalls. My goal is to do well in GC, and I am sure that with the team we have we can achieve a lot and the team will give me a lot of great help".

Haper, after several years as a quality domestique and supporter in the Grand Tours, will now have his opportunity to fight for a strong GC result and although the team will likely put it's biggest focus on chasing stage wins, he could potentially also have the support of strong climbers such as Luke Plapp and Filippo Zana.

It is a team of breakaway riders, who mostly thrive on the hilly days - of which the Giro has plenty - and with riders such as Koen Bouwman, Davide de Pretto, Paul Double and Felix Engelhard present, the team will have plenty cards to play. Michael Hepburn completes the lineup as an experienced face but also as a road captain for the flat stages.

Team Jayco Alula for Giro d'Italia: Chris Harper
Koen Bouwman
Davide de Pretto
Paul Double
Felix Engelhardt
Michael Hepburn
Luke Plapp
Filippo Zana