For U23 cyclists the Giro Next Gen is one of the best opportunities to make themselves known to the wider cycling world.

This year’s 48th edition is similar to a senior Grand Tour with 8 stages, 1057 km and 14.100m of climbing. It includes an opening timetrial, some stages for punchers and also two mountaintop finishes: Passo del Maniva (S3 and Prato Nevoso (S7). The final GC standings will be decided on a hilly parcour around Pinerolo where everything can happen. 

The Bahrain Victorious Development Team (under the name Cycling Team Friuli) have appeared every year since the race was reintroduced to the calendar in 2017. and has ad some notable successes in Italy. In 2019 Nicola Venchiarutti won two stages, and the following year Giovanni Aleotti finished 4th overall, with Jonathan Milan taking stage 5. 

Last year Alessandro Borgo took 4th on the 7th stage in his first year at U23 level. Borgo returns this year, alongside  Kasper Borremans (Fin), Seth Dunwoody (Irl), Bryan Olivo (Ita), Jakob Omrzel (Slo). It is a strong mix of riders, designed to be competitive on every stage, in the first Giro Next Gen raced officially as Bahrain Victorious Development team. 

Sports Director Alessio Matiussi, emphasises the significance of the event:

“The Giro d’Italia Next Gen is one of the most important and formative races on the U23 calendar — a top-level showcase for the brightest young talents in international cycling.

We approach this race with a motivated and well-prepared team, ready to measure itself against the best riders in the category. Our lineup is built around the goal of aiming for a top 5 finish in the general classification. The level will be high, but our riders have shown strong performances in all the last races.

Omrzel has proven his good shape with a 4th at the Tour of Slovenia, while Borremans recently secured 2nd at the Malopolska Tour.

Borgo’s goal will be to go hunting for a stage win, while Olivo and Dunwoody will also have their chances on a route that looks anything but predictable.

For us, this will be not only an opportunity for sporting growth, but also a chance to demonstrate the value of the work carried out throughout the season, fully aligned with the principles at the core of our development project.

Bahrain Victorious Development is ready to honour the name and colours of Bahrain, with the same spirit and ambition that define the WorldTour team.”

Fresh from winning the youth classification in Slovenia, Omrzel has had this week in his sights since the start of the year, as he makes his debut.

“For sure, the Giro Next Gen is a very big goal for this season. We’ve prepared well, both physically and mentally. In cycling, anything is possible, and I’ll take that mindset with me to the start line. I’ll do my best, and we’ll see what the outcome will be.”

The Giro Next Gen will be broadcast live every day on Discovery+ from tomorrow until next Sunday.