One of the outsiders for Kigali worlds out of the race due to illness

The Kigali 2025 World Championships will conclude this Sunday with its most anticipated event. The elite men's road race will challenge the world champion title of Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian seeks to retain the rainbow jersey against a list of the most outstanding rivals. However, one of them will not be able to race: Giulio Pellizzari will be out due to illness.

The Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rider was expected to be the main medal option for Italy in the road race, along with Giulio Ciccone. However, according to Ciro Scognamiglio, journalist of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pellizzari will not be able to start the World Cup in Kigali. His replacement is expected to be Gianmarco Garofoli.

"Advanced information from La Gazzetta dello Sport: Giulio Pellizzari will not be at the World Championships start in Rwanda due to illness, as confirmed to us this morning by close sources. Gianmarco Garofoli could replace him in the Italian team on Sunday, September 28," said Scognamiglio.

Thus, the Italian team is clearly weakened for the elite men's road race. Giulio Pellizzari would have arrived at the World Championships as one of the most in-form stars of the peloton. His Vuelta a España 2025 was spectacular, finishing 6th overall and taking his first professional victory in the Alto de El Morredero stage. His climbing abilities would make him a dangerous outsider and an important asset for the Italians.

If it ends up being confirmed that Gianmarco Garofoli replaces Giulio Pellizzari in Italy's lineup, you can also expect a possible great performance from the young Soudal Quick-Step rider.

The 22-year-old was part of the Belgian team for the Vuelta a España, where he showed very good legs in his goal of getting into breakaways. He was in a total of 5 breakaways, including 4 in a row in the third and final week of the race.

He also rode the Giro d'Italia (as did Giulio Pellizzari). There, his goal was also the breakaways, and he came close to a stage win by finishing 4th on the Colle delle Finestre.