We first got to know Giulio Pellizzari on the roads of the Giro d’Italia. Even back in the 2024 edition, he managed to win plenty of hearts and applause, despite the Pogačar steamroller leaving nothing but crumbs for the rest. Riding in the colors of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè, with nothing to lose, the young rider from the Marche simply tried to have fun. He learned a lot and gave the fans a show, attacking uphill without overthinking.
A stage win never came – Pogačar was always in the way – but Pellizzari took it all with a smile, never discouraged, true to the character we’ve come to know. In fact, he even asked his idol Tadej for his sunglasses, and the Slovenian didn’t just oblige… he gifted Giulio the Maglia Rosa.
Fast forward to this season: joining Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe meant Giulio had to put aside a bit of his youthful innocence, though he kept the charm and sincerity that make him one of Italy’s most beloved riders. At the Giro he was supposed to ride in support of Jai Hindley and, above all, Primož Roglič. But after both leaders were sidelined by crashes, Giulio – just 21-suddenly found himself leading one of the strongest teams in the world. He quickly clawed back the seconds lost in the early stages and finished an impressive 6th overall.
After a short break, he was back in action at the Vuelta a España, this time sharing leadership duties with Hindley. Once again Pellizzari proved his mettle, sticking with the best and even pulling off a huge win on the Alto de El Morredero – dropping riders like Vingegaard, Almeida, and Pidcock – for what was his first pro victory. Not a bad stage to stamp your name on.
“The emotions were incredible when I crossed the line. I think this is the best moment of my career, even if it’s still been a short one so far,” he said at the finish, smiling as always.
Only a small setback on the Bola del Mundo climb, the penultimate day, cost him the White Jersey of best young rider (forgivable, after going all-in at two Grand Tours at his age). Still, he rolled into Madrid with another 6th place overall in his pocket. With that double top-10, Pellizzari became the youngest rider ever to score two Grand Tour Top 10s in the same season.
Giulio still has plenty of time to learn and grow – he’ll turn 22 in November – and no one should expect him to become a phenomenon overnight. But he’s laid down some serious foundations for a brilliant future. The road is open, let’s sit back, enjoy the show, and find out where it takes him.
