"The Giro definitely helped me take a step forward" - Filippo Baroncini's Baloise Belgium Tour win gives UAE yet another GC contender

UAE Team Emirates - XRG are the outstanding peloton leaders in 2025, as shown by their strong points lead over the rest of the World Tour. Whilst the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Juan Ayuso and Joao Almeida take most of the headlines however, even down to 'lesser' names in the team, they're all winners.

This was proven once again recently, when at the 2025 Baloise Belgium Tour, Filippo Baroncini took just the second pro win of his career to secure the overall victory in Belgium. "I’m used to working for others, so being the one protected was a nice change — it felt like a bit of payback for all the effort I’ve put in for the team," the Italian reflects on his performance in conversation with Bici.Pro. "Even at the Giro d'Italia I worked hard for the others, so I know what it means. This time, it felt good to be on the receiving end."

Clearly, Baroncini didn't feel any added pressure from the expectations of leadership either. "No pressure, not really. I’m not someone who gets overwhelmed by it," he explains. "In fact, sometimes maybe I should feel it a bit more! But pressure, in the right dose, is useful."

For the majority of his time at UAE so far, Baroncini has been a reliable domestique. Having shown some strong form at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year however, the 24-year-old is beginning to show signs of his true potential.

"Yes — I noticed that too. It’s great to hear, especially when the compliments come from riders on other teams. It’s a source of pride," he says proudly. "The Giro definitely helped me take a step forward — mentally as well as physically. It was my second Grand Tour after the Vuelta, and it made a big difference in the legs."

"Having already done the Vuelta helped me understand that kind of effort. That made it easier to manage myself at the Giro," he concludes. "Still, with how I was climbing this year — honestly, I even surprised myself sometimes!"