Giro d’Italia 2025: Teams and Highlights from This Year
The Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious and oldest cycling races in the world. First held in 1909, this iconic event has become a cornerstone of the Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and La Vuelta a España. In the 2025 edition, the world’s attention turned once again to Italy, where top athletes battled it out across thousands of kilometers, through breathtaking cities and diverse terrain.
Giro d’Italia 2025 came with a bold and special twist right from the start. For the first time in its rich history, the race kicked off outside of Italy, launching from the Albanian city of Durrës on May 9 in a daring move that symbolized the Giro’s expanding European spirit.
Spanning 21 stages and thousands of kilometers, the race journeyed from Venice and ended with a grand finale in Rome on June 1. And one team made sure all eyes stayed on them: Lidl-Trek.
Lidl-Trek didn’t just come to participate, they came to dominate. Led by the resilient Dane Mads Pedersen and backed by a well-prepared squad of elite riders, the team entered the Giro with a clear mission: win stages, control the points, and leave a lasting impression. In the 2025 Giro, it wasn’t just about the pink jersey, it was about a team that turned challenge into a way of life.
A Historical Glimpse at the Giro d’Italia
The race first came to life with the support of the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, originally aimed at boosting its sales. But it quickly grew into a national, then international, event. For over a century, the Giro has only paused in exceptional circumstances like wartime. Over the years, legendary names such as Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and more recently Filippo Ganna have left their mark on the race.
Race Organization – Giro d’Italia 2025
The 2025 edition of the Giro d’Italia is organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) in collaboration with local authorities. The race consists of 21 stages spread over three weeks, with two designated rest days. The stages are divided into:
- Mountain and high-gradient stages
- Medium-distance stages
- Sprint stages
- Individual time trials
The race kicks off in the city of Durrës and, as tradition holds, finishes in Rome passing through the stunning Alpine and Dolomite mountain ranges along the way.
Route Details:
- Stage 1: Durrës → Tirana (160 km)
- Stage 2: Tirana → Tirana (13.7 km) – Time Trial
- Stage 3: Vlorë → Vlorë (160 km)
- Stage 4: Alberobello → Lecce (189 km)
- Stage 5: Ceglie Messapica → Matera (203 km)
- Stage 6: Potenza → Naples (180 km)
- Stage 7: Castel di Sangro → Tagliacozzo (165 km)
- Stage 8: Giulianova → Castelraimondo (190 km)
- Stage 9: Gubbio → Siena (200 km)
- Stage 10: Lucca Pisa (28.6 km) – Time Trial
- Stage 11: Viareggio → Castelnovo ne’ Monti (185 km)
- Stage 12: Modena → Viadana (170 km)
- Stage 13: Rovigo → Monte Berico (180 km)
- Stage 14: Treviso → Nova Gorica (195 km)
- Stage 15: Fiume Veneto → Asiago (219 km)
- Stage 16: Verona → Trento (200 km)
- Stage 17: Bolzano → Cortina d’Ampezzo (190 km)
- Stage 18: Udine → Trieste (170 km)
- Stage 19: Biella → Champoluc (210 km)
- Stage 20: Verrès → Sestriere (205 km)
- Stage 21: Rome → Rome (143 km)
Participating Teams in the Giro d’Italia 2025
The 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia features 23 professional teams from around the world, representing the elite of international cycling.
Famous cyclists
This year’s Giro brings together a star-studded lineup of riders all vying for the prestigious pink jersey. Among the standout names:
- Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates): The young Mexican talent currently leads the general classification after Stage 15 and is considered one of the sport’s brightest rising stars.
- Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates): Del Toro’s teammate, Ayuso is also high in the GC standings, boosting the team’s chances for overall dominance.
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost): A former Giro champion, Carapaz is among the top contenders again this year, aiming for another historic win.
- Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers): The former Tour de France winner returns to top competition after a serious injury, making his comeback one of the most anticipated stories of the race.
- Carlos Verona (Lidl–Trek): Pulled off a spectacular solo victory in Stage 15 after a 41 km attack, showcasing his strength and tactical prowess.
- Simon Yates (Team Visma | Lease a Bike): The British climber remains a strong general classification contender with consistent performances.
- Primož Roglič (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe): Although he dropped in the GC after Stage 15, Roglič remains a major name and a potential threat in the remaining mountain stages.
With such a powerful lineup and competitive spirit, the 2025 Giro promises a thrilling battle to the very last kilometer.
Judging and Rules at the Giro d’Italia 2025
The Giro d’Italia isn’t just one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, it’s also a highly organized event governed by strict rules and a professional officiating system to ensure fairness, safety, and clean competition.
1- Who Oversees the Race?
The race is managed under the authority of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which sets the official race regulations and appoints a team of officials, including:
- Race Commissaires
- Timekeepers
- Safety Officers
- Lead Vehicle Marshals
These officials are stationed throughout the course on motorcycles or in official vehicles using advanced communication tools and tracking apps to closely monitor every moment of the race.
2- Key Rules That Govern the Race
Timing & Cut-off Rules:
The Giro is run in daily stages, each with a specific time limit. Riders who finish outside a certain percentage of the winner’s time risk being disqualified.
Technical Regulations:
Bikes must comply with UCI standards, including a minimum weight of 6.8 kg and specific dimensions.
Any form of illegal performance aid such as hidden motors or unauthorized push devices—is strictly prohibited.
Safety Protocols:
Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times during the race.
Spectators are not allowed to step onto the racecourse at any time.
Severe weather or mass crashes may trigger emergency rules like stage shortening or cancellations.
3- The Role of the Organizing Committee
The Giro’s organizing body works closely with the UCI and local authorities to ensure:
- Uniform rule enforcement
- Rider and spectator safety
- Coordination with medical and emergency services in case of accidents
Unforgettable Moments in Giro d’Italia History
Since its debut in 1909, the Giro d’Italia has delivered countless iconic moments. Stories of courage, drama, and glory that go far beyond cycling. Here are some of the most unforgettable highlights from the modern era:
- 2018 – Chris Froome’s Legendary Comeback
In one of the wildest and most thrilling moments ever, Britain’s Chris Froome (riding for Team Sky at the time) launched a daring solo attack 80 km from the finish of Stage 19. He flipped the general classification on its head and captured the pink jersey in what many consider one of the greatest turnarounds in Giro history.
- 2021 – Egan Bernal’s Stunning Return
Colombian rider Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) dominated the mountains and claimed his first Giro win, becoming the third Colombian to do so. After recovering from serious injuries, Bernal’s comeback cemented his place among the sport’s greats.
- 2020 – Tao Geoghegan Hart’s Surprise Victory
With many top riders withdrawing due to the pandemic, Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart seized the opportunity with a steady, determined performance. He clinched the title in a dramatic final-day time trial, beating Jai Hindley by mere seconds. - 2022 – Jai Hindley Makes History
Two years after narrowly missing out on the title, Australian Jai Hindley came back stronger in 2022, conquering the Italian mountains to become the first Australian to win the Giro. It was a historic moment for him and for his country.
5. 2013 – Vincenzo Nibali Defies the Storm
Italian star Vincenzo Nibali proved his resilience by winning the Giro in one of its toughest editions, facing freezing rain and snow in the Dolomite stages. His grit kept the pink jersey firmly on his back as he proudly represented Italy.
Other Iconic Moments:
- Marco Pantani’s 1998 Giro, marked by breathtaking climbing dominance.
- Alberto Contador’s 2008 win following his return from suspension.
- Stage 16 of the 2011 edition, Gavia and Stelvio climbs regarded as one of the most brutal stages ever.
These moments and many more have made the Giro d’Italia more than just a race. It’s a yearly saga of passion, challenge, and human spirit, followed by millions around the world.
The Future of the Giro d’Italia: Where Is Italy’s Most Iconic Race Headed?
With over a century of legacy, the Giro d’Italia continues to evolve year after year, staying true to its heritage while embracing modern innovations. As we enter the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the future of this iconic race looks bright and full of exciting changes.
1-Embracing Smart Technology
In the coming years, Giro organizers are expected to lean more heavily on cutting-edge tools such as:
- Artificial Intelligence: Used to analyze rider performance in real time, providing accurate data and predictive insights.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Offering fans an immersive way to view race information as they watch, making the experience more interactive and dynamic.
Advanced Streaming Platforms: Delivering enhanced viewing with multi-angle camera feeds and personalized user experiences, so every fan can follow the race in their own way.
Conclusion
The Giro d’Italia represents a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and the spirit of challenge. In its 2025 edition, the race was more than just a journey through Italian cities, it was a full-fledged sporting epic, combining strategy, drama, and cutting-edge technology. From Albania to Rome, athletes dazzled with their talent, and elite teams led by Lidl-Trek, took center stage on cycling’s grandest platform.
Year after year, the Giro proves it’s more than just a competition. It’s a story of passion, grit, and dreams written across mountain roads and rolling plains. As it continues to evolve and embrace the future, the Giro remains a shining symbol of excellence in the world of sports.
