“I can be happy with 2nd, Isaac del Toro was clearly the strongest” – Marc Hirschi takes Gran Piemonte podium, showing strong form ahead of Il Lombardia

Marc Hirschi put in a classy ride on Thursday afternoon to claim second place at Gran Piemonte 2025, finishing just behind the dominant Isaac del Toro after outsprinting Bauke Mollema on the line.

The Swiss rider, representing Tudor Pro Cycling Team, was part of the decisive trio on the final ascent of Castelletto d’Erro. He initially forged a small gap on the climb before being caught by Del Toro, who had surged clear from the peloton with 18 kilometres remaining. When the Mexican attacked again, Hirschi couldn’t follow, but he managed his effort expertly to secure second place.

“For today, that was the maximum I could do,” Hirschi said post-race to Cycling Pro Net. “Isaac was clearly the strongest rider. We tried — I think we rode a perfect race and anticipated him — but he closed the gap and attacked again. So I can be happy with second place because he was clearly the best.”

Before Del Toro made his race-winning move, Hirschi had taken the initiative on the final climb. For a brief moment, the 27-year-old allowed himself to believe he might hold off the chasers. “I knew we had to go fast on the last climb because once we got over the steep section it would be hard to drop each other,” he explained. “So I pushed hard and for a short moment I thought maybe I could hold it… but then he came back very quickly.”

Hirschi then dug deep in the closing kilometres, holding off Mollema in a two-up sprint for second place — a result that confirms his sharp late-season condition.

UAE Team Emirates – XRG controlled the race throughout the middle phase before Del Toro’s explosive attack proved decisive, sealing his 15th win of the year. Hirschi, meanwhile, walked away with a result that boosts his confidence ahead of the final big objectives of the season.

Next up for Hirschi is Il Lombardia 2025, a race he knows will present a very different tactical challenge. “It’s a different kind of race — the way they race it is different too,” he said. “UAE will have a very strong team, and normally they control things well, so it will be hard to anticipate. The climbs are also longer. My shape is good, but I think it might be a bit too hard for me to fight for the win.”

The Swiss rider will also turn his attention to the end-of-season races in Tuscany and Veneto, where he has performed well in the past. “I’ll do both of the Veneto races,” he confirmed. “I hope to finish the season well there if I can keep this shape. So I’m looking forward to Saturday and then my last races in Italy.”