The United Nations established International Youth Day in 2000. Ironically, riders born in that very year are now, by the narrowest of margins, too old to compete for the Giro d’Italia’s Maglia Bianca. Yet the ecosystem surrounding the Corsa Rosa — from the Giro d’Italia Women to the Giro Next Gen — continues to nurture a new generation of champions who have grown and flourished on the roads of the Bel Paese.

The Maglia Bianca: Del Toro and Eulálio, fearless by nature

Isaac del Toro perfectly embodies the idea that the road to cycling greatness passes through the Giro d’Italia. The Mexican sensation captivated fans in 2025, wearing the Maglia Rosa for much of the race before finishing second overall and claiming the Maglia Bianca. Twelve months later, the rider from Ensenada had already added Tirreno Adriatico to his palmarès and stood on the podium of the Tour de France, finishing third in Paris just a few weeks ago.

Once again, the Maglia Bianca proved to be a gateway to greatness. Its 2026 successor reinforced that tradition. Afonso Eulálio lit up the latest edition of the Giro with several days in the Maglia Rosa, an outstanding sixth place overall and victory in the best young rider classification. The Portuguese rider, instantly recognisable for his infectious smile and trademark panache, became one of the defining characters of an exceptionally entertaining race. Fittingly, in 2026 every winner of the Giro’s four major classifications — including Giro Next Gen graduate Paul Magnier, Giulio Ciccone and Eulálio himself — had previously worn the Maglia Rosa during the race.