As attention pivots toward Albania, the anticipation surrounding the 2025 Giro d’Italia continues to swell. The race will convene in the picturesque coastal resort of Durres, then journey onwards to the vibrant capital city of Tirana for a challenging opening stage this Friday. Albania will not only host this inaugural stage but will also feature two additional stages before the race transitions to Italy as it resumes on the following Tuesday.
The start list for this year’s Giro is substantial, featuring 184 riders from 23 different teams. Moreover, the competition will unfold across 21 stages, traversing three countries and various types of terrain. This setup brings an abundance of narratives, human interest stories, and riveting angles on the riders and teams, creating an engaging backdrop for this anticipated event.
As we look towards the opening stage, the focus shifts to who will emerge as the initial race leader come Friday afternoon.
### Contenders for the First Pink Jersey: Van Aert, Pedersen, or Pidcock?
Belgium’s Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike is presented with a prime opportunity. He can secure his first win in eight months while simultaneously commencing his Giro debut with a bang in the challenging stretch to Tirana. Notably, the course includes a rigorous 13-kilometer ascent to Gracen, followed by dual Cat.3 climbs to Surrel later, setting the stage for an exciting battle where the pure sprinters may struggle against the formidable terrain.
However, the competition isn’t limited to Van Aert. Denmark’s Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek and Britain’s Tom Pidcock, representing Q36.5 Pro Cycling, are also well-equipped to compete vehemently in this initial test. Rising star Kaden Groves from Alpecin-Deceuninck and Olav Kooij, one of the fastest contenders in the race, may also throw their hats into the ring, proving no climb is too high given the right mindset.
### The Belgian’s Prospects of Wearing the First Pink Jersey
Should Van Aert fall short of victory in the opening stage, he is anticipated to claim a lead in the subsequent 13.7-kilometer time trial set for Saturday in downtown Tirana. Following this, Van Aert will face additional climbs ahead of a flat finish in the scenic locale of Vlore. This trajectory hints that Monday may find him entering Italy adorned with the coveted *maglia rosa*.
Nevertheless, there are whispers that Josh Tarling of Ineos Grenadiers might unleash a significantly dominant performance both on Friday and in the weekend’s stage, challenging the expectation.
### A Strong British Contingent: Twelve Riders Represent the Union
The British presence has swelled this year, with twelve riders launching their campaigns, which marks a notable 40% increase from the previous year’s seven riders. Among these competitors, Tarling is joined by his Ineos colleague Ben Turner, as well as members from Soudal Quick-Step, Q36.5 Pro Cycling, and UAE Team Emirates, including the Yates twins—Simon and Adam—who hope to shine in their respective strategies.
### The Iconic Journey of EF Education-EastPost
Notably, the Giro d’Italia thrives on the signature limited edition jerseys that EF Education-EastPost offers. Straying from their outlandish designs, they introduce an elegant and understated white jersey, modeled by past champion Richard Carapaz from Ecuador.
### Five Former Winners Ready to Compete
The 2025 Giro also boasts a rich roster, including five former champions. Carapaz is joined by Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal, Jai Hindley, and Primoz Roglic, featuring a compelling mix of experience with each rider’s past triumphs looming large as they tackle the course anew.
### The Leadership Dilemma within UAE Team
Within UAE, the question arises regarding who will take the reins: Adam Yates or Juan Ayuso? Yates is the more seasoned racer and will likely act as the mountain lieutenant this summer, though Ayuso has generated remarkable early-season success. It’ll be fascinating to see if Ayuso can bear the burden of leadership or if Yates will step up in critical moments.
### The Spectrum of Opportunities to Shine
Some riders, such as Adam Yates, are on the precipice of completing a Grand Tour clean sweep while others prepare to bid adieu to their careers. Romain Bardet has signaled that the upcoming Giro marks potentially his last Grand Tour foray, leading to a poignant moment for both the rider and his fans.
### A Surge of Newcomers in the Giro
This year welcomes a remarkable 56 debutants, a vibrant mix of youth and experience, including the oldest debutant, Quentin Pacher, and the youngest, Paul Magnier. This promising wave of newcomers is brimming with potential, offering a fresh narrative amidst the time-honored traditions of the Giro