Development Defending champion Jarno Widar and sports director Wesley Van Speybroeck look ahead to the Giro Next Gen

As the defending champion, Jarno Widar is considered the top favourite. It’s a role that doesn’t scare him. “Being seen as the favourite feels like a compliment. It means you’re doing well,” says Widar with a smile. After a high-altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada and a recent overall win at the Tour de L’Isard, Widar travels to Italy with confidence. “My form is good and the preparation went as planned. Of course, I’m aiming for the best possible result, but with riders like Lorenzo Finn and Albert Withen Philipsen, the level is very high. Everything will have to go according to plan to bring that pink jersey back home.”

Northern Italy provides the backdrop for the fight for pink. With two summit finishes, three tricky hilly stages and a technical opening time trial, the organizers have designed a demanding route. “I’m especially looking forward to stages three, seven, and eight,” says Widar, not coincidentally the stages with the most climbing, which is where Widar performs best.

“The riders are in good shape and more importantly, very motivated,” adds sports director Wesley Van Speybroeck. “The strength of the group lies in their friendship. They are not just teammates, but also friends. That friendship shows during the race: they give everything for one another and support each other in tough moments.” According to Van Speybroeck, that’s not just a detail, but a decisive factor for young riders. “In this age group, enjoying the sport is just as important as performance. They work hard, but there’s also space to enjoy the experience together. That balance makes them eager to race.”

Photo: Brecht Steenhouwer