1. Filippo Ganna: The Time Trial Specialist

Background and Achievements

Filippo Ganna has quickly established himself as one of the most formidable time trialists in the world. Born in 1996, Ganna's career took off when he joined Team INEOS (formerly Team Sky), where he has become a key rider in both individual time trials (ITT) and as a powerful domestique in stage races.

• Giro Success: Ganna made headlines at the 2020 Giro d’Italia by winning multiple time trial stages, including the opening stage, which earned him the first Maglia Rosa (pink jersey) of the race. His dominance in the time trial discipline has continued to grow, with further victories in the 2021 Giro​.

• Future Prospects: With his exceptional power and time trial prowess, Ganna is expected to play a crucial role in future Grand Tours, both as a stage winner and a key support rider for his team’s GC contenders. His continued development in climbing could also see him become a more versatile contender in stage races​.

2. Giulio Ciccone: The Aggressive Climber

Background and Achievements

Giulio Ciccone has emerged as one of Italy’s most promising climbers, known for his aggressive racing style and ability to animate mountain stages. Born in 1994, Ciccone has made significant strides in his career, particularly in the Giro d’Italia.

• Giro d’Italia Performances: Ciccone first gained attention in the 2016 Giro d’Italia with a stage win, and he has since continued to impress with his climbing skills. In 2019, he won the mountains classification, donning the Maglia Azzurra (blue jersey) and showcasing his talent on the toughest climbs​.

• Future Prospects: Ciccone’s aggressive approach and ability to excel in the mountains position him as a potential GC contender in the future. As he gains experience and hones his time trialing abilities, he could become one of Italy’s leading hopes in the Giro d’Italia and other Grand Tours​.

3. Lorenzo Fortunato: The Breakout Climber

Background and Achievements

Lorenzo Fortunato became a household name in Italy after his stunning victory on the iconic Monte Zoncolan during the 2021 Giro d’Italia. This win marked a breakthrough for Fortunato, who had previously been relatively unknown on the international stage.

• Giro d’Italia Breakthrough: Fortunato’s victory on the Zoncolan was a testament to his climbing ability and tactical acumen. Riding for the small EOLO-Kometa team, Fortunato’s win was one of the most inspiring moments of the 2021 Giro, showcasing his potential as a top climber​.

• Future Prospects: With his breakthrough performance in 2021, Fortunato has positioned himself as one to watch in future editions of the Giro d’Italia. If he continues to develop his climbing skills and gains experience, he could become a consistent contender in the mountains and possibly in the general classification​.

4. Andrea Bagioli: The Versatile Talent

Background and Achievements

Andrea Bagioli is another young Italian talent making waves in professional cycling. Born in 1999, Bagioli has shown versatility in both hilly one-day races and as a punchy rider capable of winning stages in stage races.

• Early Success: Bagioli’s early career has been marked by impressive results in various races, including stage wins in the Tour de l’Ain and the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. His ability to sprint from a reduced group and handle short, steep climbs makes him a valuable asset in various race scenarios​.

• Future Prospects: As Bagioli continues to develop, he is expected to be a key rider in one-day classics and shorter stage races. His potential to grow into a Grand Tour contender is also promising, particularly if he improves his endurance and consistency over three-week races.

5. Samuele Battistella: The All-Rounder

Background and Achievements

Samuele Battistella is a young Italian rider known for his all-around abilities. Born in 1998, Battistella made headlines when he won the U23 World Championship in 2019, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

• Giro d’Italia Participation: While still early in his career, Battistella has shown promise in stage races and has been a strong support rider for his team in various competitions. His versatility and ability to perform in different terrains make him a valuable rider for any team.

• Future Prospects: Battistella’s potential as an all-rounder makes him an exciting prospect for the future of Italian cycling. If he continues to develop his climbing and time trialing skills, he could become a key figure in future editions of the Giro d’Italia and other major races.

6. Tadej Pogačar: The Slovenian Sensation

Background and Achievements

Although not Italian, Tadej Pogačar has become one of the most exciting young riders in the world, with a career that has already seen him win two Tour de France titles before the age of 23. Born in 1998, Pogačar’s all-round abilities—combining climbing, time-trialling, and racecraft—make him a formidable competitor in any Grand Tour, including the Giro d’Italia.

• Grand Tour Success: Pogačar has demonstrated his dominance in the Tour de France, where his climbing prowess and strategic racing have earned him back-to-back victories in 2020 and 2021. His ability to excel across all terrains makes him a serious contender for any Grand Tour​.

• Potential in the Giro d’Italia: Although he has yet to compete in the Giro, Pogačar’s potential in the Italian Grand Tour is highly anticipated. His versatility and proven success in the Tour de France suggest that he could be a future winner of the Giro, adding another prestigious title to his already impressive resume.

Conclusion

The future of cycling, both in Italy and internationally, looks bright with rising stars like Filippo Ganna, Giulio Ciccone, Lorenzo Fortunato, Andrea Bagioli, Samuele Battistella, and the Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar. These young riders have already made their mark on the Giro d’Italia and other prestigious races, and their continued development promises to bring further success to the sport. As they gain experience and refine their skills, these riders are poised to become the next generation of Grand Tour champions, ensuring that the sport remains as thrilling and competitive as ever.