The Giro d’Italia presents a unique opportunity for cycling enthusiasts, particularly for riders who may not have the stellar status of champions like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. According to Jens Voigt, a two-time Tour de France stage winner, the 2025 Giro d’Italia stands out as the only Grand Tour where “regular” cyclists have an authentic chance of securing victory. With Pogacar and Vingegaard anticipated to dominate the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España this year, the significance of the Giro, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, becomes even more pronounced.
Leading the charge for the coveted pink jersey in the Giro will be two strong contenders: Primoz Roglic from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Juan Ayuso from UAE Team Emirates-XRG. This year’s event allows for a wider pool of contenders owing to the absence of cycling’s formidable duo, Pogacar and Vingegaard, giving a host of other riders aspirations for the podium. Notably, Adam Yates complements Ayuso in a two-pronged attack for UAE, while his twin brother Simon Yates, representing Visma-Lease a Bike, stands ready to claim a podium spot should Wout van Aert’s own ambitions fall short. Other cyclists like Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious), Michael Storer (Tudor Pro), and Mikel Landa (Soudal-QuickStep), are also keenly eyeing opportunities to shine.
Voigt expressed his perspective on the competition, stating, “I believe it’s going to be Ayuso versus Roglic. I see them as the main contenders. As unfortunate as it may sound, it’s crucial for other riders to go full throttle for the Giro, especially given that we don’t have Tadej and Jonas in the mix.” This statement highlights the heightened stakes surrounding the Giro this season; without the dominant presence of Pogacar and Vingegaard, the field is open for aggressive competition.
Primoz Roglic, a seasoned four-time Vuelta champion, is aiming for a Giro-Tour double similar to what Pogacar achieved the previous year. Despite the ambition, Voigt acknowledges the complexities involved stating, “The time between the end of the Giro and the start of the Tour is too long to sustain peak performance, yet too short to afford complete recovery. It becomes a tricky balancing act.” Voigt ultimately expresses skepticism regarding Roglic’s chances of winning the Tour, suggesting that young talents like Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard could surpass him in strength and capability.
In addition to the leading contenders, former champion Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) is back in the mix. Having faced major setbacks after a life-threatening crash three years ago, Bernal is attempting to reclaim his form. However, Voigt reflects on Bernal’s situation with a note of caution, likening it to the challenges faced by Chris Froome in his post-injury career. Voigt expressed doubts about Bernal reaching former heights, saying, “If he was going to make a significant return, we would have seen it by now. Just like Chris, it seems unlikely he will win another Grand Tour.”
The Giro’s significance extends beyond its competitors; it presents a critical stage in the cycling calendar for all teams. For Ineos Grenadiers, their recent struggles in the Grand Tour arena highlight a stark contrast to their past dominance. With only Bernal’s 2021 victory marking their last Grand Tour win, the team appears to lack the star power needed to compete at the highest level, especially as key figures such as Geraint Thomas approach retirement. Voigt critiques their performance, drawing attention to how, despite having a substantial budget, the team’s results do not align with expectations.
As the excitement builds ahead of the Giro d’Italia, avid cycling fans can tune in to follow each stage live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Every stage will feature full coverage, along with “The Breakaway” — a pre- and post-stage analysis program hosted by Orla Chennaoui, providing expert insights and captivating guest appearances throughout the racing days. Notable pundits such as Adam Blythe and Robbie McEwen will offer their perspectives, ensuring fans are well-informed on the event’s unfolding drama. In addition, the broadcast will include bike-side reporting from Voigt, Simon Geschke, and Blythe, enhancing the viewing experience with their unique insights and firsthand accounts from the cyclists. With programs available through multiple platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media, supporters are poised for an electrifying three-week journey filled with anticipation and racing spirit.
