Holders UAE Team Emirates-XRG begin Giro d'Italia title defence
As UAE Team Emirates-XRG gear up for the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia, the anticipation and excitement is palpable across the world of cycling on the eve of the first Grand Tour of the season. Known for its punishing climbs and picturesque scenery, the Giro offers a valuable opportunity for riders to test themselves on one of cycling's toughest stages. With the majestic landscapes of Italy once again setting the stage, all eyes now turn to Juan Ayuso, the rising star of Spanish cycling, who enters the race as one of the standout favourites.
Ayuso arrives at the start line in red-hot form, having lit up the early season with a string of commanding performances. His crowning moment came at Tirreno-Adriatico, where he sealed the general classification convincingly - a victory that has only fueled his hunger heading into the biggest challenge of his young career. With his sights firmly set on the Maglia Rosa, Ayuso is more than ready for the three-week battle that lies ahead.
Ayuso: 'It's been an amazing start to the season. I've found a good rhythm and, for the first time in my career, I haven't had any setbacks. I love racing in Italy - it's a country that feels like home, and I've had some of my best results here. Now I'm just really excited to get to the start line. Training camp went perfectly, and I'm ready to test myself at one of the most beautiful races on the calendar!'
Joining Ayuso as a co-leader within the team will be Adam Yates. A strong contender in his own right, Yates will bring a calm and experienced presence in the high mountains, with a proven track record in Grand Tour racing. Supporting Ayuso and Yates will be a well-rounded and reliable UAE Team Emirates-XRG line-up - a team crafted to provide a blend of experience, climbing prowess, and all-round strength. Jay Vine and Isaac Del Toro, both showing strong early season legs, will be key to controlling the tempo on the climbs, creating the launchpad for Ayuso and Yates to make their pivotal moves. The ever-dependable Rafal Majka brings a wealth of Grand Tour wisdom, while young Spaniard Igor Arrieta and the versatile Brandon McNulty will be ready to grind it out across all terrains.
But as always, glory at the first Grand Tour of the year will not come easy. The general classification battle is stacked with threats from across the peloton. Primoz Roglic, a five-time Grand Tour champion and former Maglia Rosa winner, returns to regain his crown and repeat his heroics of 2023. Also entering the fray is Egan Bernal of INEOS Grenadiers - a previous Giro d'Italia and Tour de France winner hungry to rediscover his best form on Italian soil. With a strong team behind him, the Colombian is one to watch across the three weeks of racing.
Veteran Spanish climber Mikel Landa will also be looking to fight for the general classification win. Stepping into the leadership role for Soudal-Quick-Step in the absence of Remco Evenepoel, Landa has shown excellent form this season and will be looking to build on two top 10 GC finishes already in 2025.
Across 3,413KM of relentless terrain, the Giro d'Italia will serve up five mountain stages, eight hilly tests, six sprint stages, and two-time trials - with plenty of opportunities to shape the race. The fight for pink starts early with a punchy finish on Stage 1 that will keep every GC hopeful alert, while stage 2's short, explosive time trail will offer Ayuso a chance to lay down a marker. The first real uphill finishes arrive on Stages 5 and 7, where the race favourites will begin to show their hands. It's a brutal opening week - not decisive, but dangerous - and for those eyeing the Maglia Rosa, there's no room for error.
With the road to Rome paved in challenge and opportunity, Juan Ayuso steps into the spotlight. At just 22, he carries both form and momentum into the Giro, poised not just to compete - but to contend. Backed by a powerful UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad, Ayuso's campaign marks the beginning of the team's Grand Tour ambitions, with the Maglia Rosa firmly in sight.
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