It’s true that the opening individual time trial of the Giro Next Gen 2025 – the 8.4 km Rho–Rho stage – isn’t particularly long, but it would be a mistake to underestimate it. U23 riders are generally less accustomed to time trials than professionals, and those more experienced with the solitary effort could quickly open up a meaningful gap on rivals who aren’t as comfortable. Likely, the time gaps won’t be huge, but if the race turns out to be very balanced as the stages progress, then every second could prove crucial.
The race will experience its first major shake-up on Stage 3, from Albese con Cassano to Passo del Maniva (143 km). After 90 km, the riders will face the climb of Passo dei Tre Termini (8.3 km at 5.8%), followed by the final ascent to Passo del Maniva (19.2 km at 5.7%). While the first half of the climb is fairly gentle, the final 9 km ramp up steeply at 8–9%, likely creating serious splits in the field.
For another head-to-head clash among climbers, fans will have to wait until Stage 7, from Bra to Prato Nevoso (163 km), a day marked by constant undulations. Although the categorized climbs of Pedaggera and Bric San Bernardo feature earlier in the stage, the real action is expected on the final ascent. The last 13 km climb steadily at 7.2%, offering a great opportunity to make key differences and mount a charge for the Maglia Rosa.
If things haven’t gone as expected, the general classification contenders will have one final opportunity on the closing day, with the 141 km Pinerolo–Pinerolo stage. The route is ripe for bold moves, starting with the Colle Braida (10.7 km at 6.4%) 56 km from the finish, and then the short but brutally steep Prarostino climb (3.2 km at 11%). There will be 11 kilometers to go—the final stretch of the 2025 Giro Next Gen—but before the finish, riders will also face the San Maurizio wall: 500 meters of cobbled road at a fierce 10.4% gradient, set to make the finale even more explosive and unpredictable before the grand celebration in Pinerolo.
