The list of riders targeting stage wins – whether on mixed terrain or flat profiles – is also long and full of big names. The Giro d’Italia will mark the debut of three stars from the one-day classics scene: Wout Van Aert, Thomas Pidcock, and Marc Hirschi.

Mads Pedersen will be lining up for his third Giro, having claimed victory in Naples in 2023 and arriving in top form after a strong spring campaign. Among the most promising stage hunters on hilly terrain are Diego Ulissi, Quinten Hermans, Taco van der Hoorn, Jakob Fuglsang, Dorian Godon, Davide Formolo, Marco Frigo, Marco Brenner, and Martin Marcellusi.

Also in Naples, Olav Kooij earned his first Giro stage win. Already with three victories in 2025, he leads the pack of sprinters expected at the race. His main rivals include Kaden Groves, Paul Magnier, Matteo Moschetti, and a returning Sam Bennett, who’s shown excellent form so far this year.

Other strong finishers who could surprise include Rick Pluimers, Casper van Uden, Filippo Fiorelli, Luke Lamperti, Giovanni Lonardi, Enrico Zanoncello, and Orluis Aular.

The two time trials scheduled for the race will be prime opportunities for the discipline’s specialists. Lining up at the start will be the last two European champions, Edoardo Affini and Joshua Tarling, as well as Mattia Cattaneo, Brandon McNulty, Jay Vine, and Daan Hoole.