An imposing field is set for the 2025 GranPiemonte, with an unpredictable route likely to favor different rider types across 179 kilometers from Dogliani to Acqui Terme.
Key Contenders for the GranPiemonte
Neilson Powless of EF Education–EasyPost returns as the defending champion after last year’s solo win. His recent race calendar has been light, leaving questions about his condition, but he remains a serious threat. The leading contender is Isaac Del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who has dominated the Italian one-day scene this year with six Classic victories, including Milano–Torino and the Giro dell’Emilia, alongside second place at the Giro d’Italia and 11 days in the leader’s jersey.
UAE brings depth with support from Pavel Sivakov and Alessandro Covi. XDS Astana is expected to race aggressively under Christian Scaroni, fresh off fourth at the European Championships, with Simone Velasco, Diego Ulissi, Clément Champoussin, and Alberto Bettiol adding further options.
Local hopes rest with Filippo Ganna of Ineos Grenadiers, determined to close his season strongly after a narrow defeat in the European time trial. Rising talent Lorenzo Mark Finn of Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe, the under-23 world champion and recent winner of the Coppa Città di San Daniele, steps up to test himself against the elite.
Jayco AlUla could pivot depending on how selective the race becomes, with Michael Matthews suited to a less demanding finale and Ben O’Connor primed for moves on the double ascent of Castelletto d’Erro. If the pace is relentless, contenders include Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), third at the Giro dell’Emilia, Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), and Louis Barré (Intermarché–Wanty). Should a reduced sprint decide it, watch for Matteo Trentin (Tudor), Orluis Aular (Movistar), Tobias Lund Andresen (Picnic PostNL), and Quinten Hermans (Alpecin–Deceuninck).
Two riders chasing redemption after uneven seasons also have opportunities: Marc Hirschi (Tudor), a consistent force in Italy’s autumn races, and Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe), well matched to this course. Other names to note include Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious), Andrea Bagioli (Lidl–Trek), the 2023 winner, Carlos Canal (Movistar), runner-up at Coppa Agostoni, Matteo Sobrero (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe) competing close to home, the experienced Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers), and Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar).