The Giro Next Gen 2025 is a true blend of miniature classics, where attackers and stage hunters will find plenty of terrain suited to their skills and imagination. Whether launching late moves or long-range breakaways, there’s room to dream of taking home a stage win.
While Stage 3, from Albese con Cassano to Passo del Maniva (143 km), will likely be fought out by the general classification contenders, the first real opportunity for “classic-style” riders could come in Stage 4, from Manerbio to Salsomaggiore Terme (148 km). The Valico di Sant’Antonio (8.5 km at 5%), crested 31 km from the finish, could tempt more than one rider to try something. And if a group breaks clear, the sprinters’ teams might struggle to close the gap, especially with only a few fast men likely surviving.
Stage 5, taking the riders from Fiorenzuola d’Arda to Gavi over 153 km, may cater more to early breakaway artists. Much will depend on how the peloton tackles the Passo del Penice (12.9 km at 6.7%) after 56 km of racing. If it’s ridden hard before the break is even formed, the selection could be serious, and top-level riders might escape. In that case, bringing them back could be very difficult.
Another potential tug-of-war between sprinters and attackers may play out in Stage 6, from Ovada to Acqui Terme (155 km), with an action-packed final 40 kilometers. The climbs of Cassinasco (5.5 km at 4.7%) and Sant’Ambrogio (4.3 km at 6.3%), the last of which crests 18 km from the line, offer perfect springboards to launch a decisive move. A solo attack may be a stretch, but with the right company, a small group could go all the way.
Last year, the final stage smiled upon the escapees, and that may well be the case again this year. The race concludes in Pinerolo, which will host both the start and finish of a 141 km stage. After a fast opening, the riders will face the tough Colle Braida (10.7 km at 6.4%) 56 km from the finish, followed by the brutal Prarostino climb (3.2 km at 11%), whose summit lies just 11 km from the line. Just before the finish, there’s also the San Maurizio wall—500 meters on cobblestones at a punishing 10.4%—adding even more uncertainty to the finale. With teams worn out after eight days of racing, a bold move from a brave rider could very well be rewarded.
