Giro Next Gen 2026, Stage 8: route, favourites and where to watch on TV

The 2026 Giro Next Gen will remain open right to the very last metre. The final 22.2-kilometre time trial from Villa Sant’Angelo to L’Aquila promises to be a thrilling affair. Under-23 riders are generally less accustomed than professionals to medium-to-long individual time trials, meaning the time gaps could be significant. L’Aquila once again confirms its status as a friend of top-level cycling, having already hosted a finish at the Giro d’Italia in 2019, as well as stages of the Giro d’Abruzzo and the Giro d’Italia Women in 2024.

The Route

It will be far from a straightforward time trial, with the climb to Bagno Grande (2.4 km at 6.5%) coming midway through the course and the final kilometre into L’Aquila rising steadily at 7.6%. Given that many Under-23 riders are less accustomed to long tests against the clock, there is every chance that significant time gaps could be created.

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GIRO NEXT GEN!

The Favourites

Lorenzo Finn (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Rookies) has every chance of rounding off his race with victory in the final stage as well. The main contenders in the general classification will be battling to defend or improve their positions, while among the time trial specialists, riders to watch include Cameron Rogers and Nicolas Milesi (INEOS Grenadiers Racing Academy), Matisse Van Kerckhove (Visma | Lease a Bike Development) and Adam Rafferty (Hagens Berman Jayco).

Giro Next Gen 2026, Stage 8: Schedule and TV Coverage

Villa Sant’Angelo – L’Aquila, TUDOR ITT 22,2 km
First Rider Start Time: 11:55 AM
Expected Finish Time of the Last Rider: around 3:10 PM

TV: The race dedicated to the brightest talents in world cycling will be broadcast live on the Discovery+ and HBO Max streaming platforms from 11:30 onwards.