CYCLING – FOR under-23 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 gets underway today, and it is similar to a senior grand tour with eight stages, 1,057km, and 14,100m of climbing. It includes an opening time trial, some stages for puncheurs and also two mountain-top finishes: Passo del Maniva on stage three and Prato Nevoso on stage seven. The final general classification (GC) standings will be decided on a hilly parcours around Pinerolo.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 had some notable successes in Italy. In 2019, Nicola Venchiarutti won two stages, and the following year Giovanni Aleotti finished fourth overall, with Jonathan Milan taking stage five.
Last year, Alessandro Borgo took fourth on the seventh stage in his first year at the under-23 level. Borgo returns this year, alongside Kasper Borremans, Seth Dunwoody, Bryan Olivo, and Jakob Omrzel. 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.
The squad’s 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 under-23 calendar – a top-level showcase for the brightest young talents in international cycling,” Matiussi said.
“We approach this race with a motivated and well-prepared team, ready to measure itself against the best riders in the category. Our line-up is built around the goal of aiming for a top-five finish in the GC. 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 fourth at the Tour of Slovenia, while Borremans recently secured second 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 Team are 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,” he said. “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.”
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