GranPiemonte 2025: Del Toro, Scaroni and Ganna Target Powless’ Throne
# GranPiemonte 2025: A Clash of Titans in the Heart of Italy
The 2025 GranPiemonte is shaping up to be a highly anticipated cycling event, showcasing one of the most formidable start lists in recent years. Spanning 179 kilometers from Dogliani to Acqui Terme, the course promises excitement and unpredictability as it caters to riders with diverse strengths.
Defending champion Neilson Powless (EF Education–EasyPost) will pin on number 1, drawing attention as he attempts to retain his title after a subdued racing schedule in recent weeks. “He is a generous, all-round rider with the qualities to defend his crown,” yet his uncertain form adds an intriguing twist to the race. Nonetheless, Powless is poised to battle fiercely to keep his crown.
Front-running the competition is Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), who has had a stellar year, accumulating six Italian Classics, including notable wins at Milano–Torino and Giro dell’Emilia. Del Toro’s impressive 2nd place finish at the Giro d’Italia, alongside 11 days donning the Maglia Rosa, has set the stage for what could be a remarkable performance at GranPiemonte. Supported by teammates Pavel Sivakov and Alessandro Covi, the UAE squad is expected to be a significant force.
XDS Astana will also present a strong challenge, led by Christian Scaroni, who recently showcased his capabilities with a 4th place finish at the European Championships. He will be accompanied by teammates Simone Velasco, Diego Ulissi, Clément Champoussin, and Alberto Bettiol, indicating a well-rounded team ready to make its mark.
Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) will receive a rousing welcome from the home crowd, striving to cap off his season positively after narrowly losing to Remco Evenepoel in the European time trial. Fresh from winning the Coppa Città di San Daniele, U23 World Champion Lorenzo Mark Finn (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe) is eager to showcase his talent against seasoned pros.
Jayco AlUla is expected to strategize with Michael Matthews for a potentially less selective race, while Ben O’Connor’s climbing abilities will play a crucial role during the double ascent of Castelletto d’Erro. If the race turns demanding, eyes will be on Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), and others, who possess the skills to navigate a tough terrain.
Contenders for a reduced sprint finish include Matteo Trentin (Tudor), Orluis Aular (Movistar), and Quinten Hermans (Alpecin–Deceuninck). Meanwhile, redemption might be on the horizon for riders like Marc Hirschi (Tudor) and Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe), who are determined to claim a strong result after a challenging season.
In addition to these leading names, others like Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious), and experienced riders like Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers) and Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar) can’t be overlooked as they eye the podium.
With a powerful mix of talent and ambition, the GranPiemonte 2025 is not just another race; it promises to be a thrilling showdown that captures the essence of cycling.
[Click here to discover all the Teams of GranPiemonte 2025.]
