Vincenzo Nibali believes Giro route suits Remco Evenepoel quite well - "Doing the Giro-Tour double? It is not easy but Pogacar has proven that it is not impossible"

The first 3 stages have been officially revealed for the 2025 Giro d'Italia, revealing hilly days on stages 1 and 3 and a 13-kilometer long hilly time-trial on stage 2. Remco Evenepoel would be a prime contender to chase the pink jersey according to Vincenzo Nibali, if he manages to recover in time to show his best level there.

"Super start, with difficulties and elevation. It's going to be spectacular and the riders will have to be in good condition quickly," Nibali said in the race presentation, before pointing out Remco Evenepoel as a rider who would love such a start with the time-trial on stage 2. "It's a start that suits him well, especially since he has already proven in the past that he is comfortable at the start of a grand tour. But this technical time-trial will still require some reconnaissance".

The route postponed back in November due to the start in Albania, but the organizers had already decided on the rest of the route. Whilst it remains under wraps it is quite well known that week 1 will not feature brutal mountain stages on week 1, but will have a 'mini Strade Bianche' on stage 9 ending in Siena. This year Evenepoel thrived on the gravel stage at the Tour de France and would be a very dangerous rider here. A mix of difficult but also hilly stages on week 2 provide opportunities for him. Primoz Roglic is the only one of the 'big 4' GC riders who have confirmed their presence in the race. Evenepoel and Vingegaard could potentially race it too, whilst Tadej Pogacar is likely to go with the Vuelta a España later in the summer.

"He always comes back strong after a setback. If he returns to competition in March at Tirreno-Adriatico, there is still a chance he will be at the Giro," the 'Shark of Messina' says of the Olympic Champion. "Doing the Giro-Tour double? It is not easy but Pogacar has proven that it is not impossible. And Remco has proven that he is improving year after year. His podium at the Tour de France and his Olympic double are fantastic performances and proof of a steady evolution."