Only half a year since his life-threatening crash, Filippo Baroncini set to return to action

Filippo Baroncini's 2025 season was cut short due to a heavy crash at the Tour de Pologne. The 25-year-old Italian spent two weeks in coma to allow his body to deal with the severe injuries, but by the end of October, the young timetrialist returned to the saddle and launched his preparation for comeback in 2026. And the promised start is already on the horizon, it seems.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Ciro Scognamiglio, this return could take place in mid-March. More precisely, one of the run-up races to the main block of Flemish Classics - the Danilith Nokere Koerse - taking place on the 18th could witness Baroncini's return to action.

Less is known of the other names set to represent UAE Team Emirates - XRG at the 1.Pro race, but based on past editions and the delicate position in spring calendar, most of UAE's Classics team, except those heading for Milano-Sanremo later that week including Tadej Pogacar, can be expected to line up for the race further north.

Baroncini has a decent track record at the race, with 17th place in 2025, and 11th year earlier. As it will be his first start following a prolonged period of recovery, there won't be high pressure to mix it in for victory like in recent editions, but the race centered around uphill cobbled sector in Nokere will be a good test of Baroncini's readiness to contribute to the world's best team's efforts in 2026.