
The Jayco AlUla Team is ready for the 108th edition of the Giro d'Italia with an ambitious and combative lineup. The team will line up in Albania with a double ambition, taking care of both the general classification and stage success during the three weeks of racing.
Strong climber Chris Harper will be the classification man, while the rest of the team will try to exploit all the opportunities offered by the 21 stages. Former Italian champion and stage winner in 2023, Filippo Zana will seek his moment to shine alongside the Australian time trial champion Luke Plapp, who recently won a stage at the Tour of Hellas and came very close to a stage victory in the 2024 edition.
Three younger riders will make their debut at the Giro this season: the British Paul Double, the Italian Davide De Pretto, and the German Felix Engelhardt. Each of the three brings different characteristics and strengths, but all adapt well to fast or uphill finishes.
Experienced Australian Michael Hepburn will be the team captain at the start of his 10th participation in the Italian Grand Tour, while the eighth and final rider will be the Dutchman Koen Bouwman; winner of two stages and the blue jersey as best climber at the Giro d'Italia 2022.
The Jayco AlUla Team at Giro d'Italia 2025:
Koen Bouwman (NED) 7th appearance
Davide De Pretto (ITA) Debut
Paul Double (GBR) Debut
Felix Engelhardt (GER) Debut
Chris Harper (AUS) 2nd appearance
Michael Hepburn (AUS) 10th appearance
Lucas Plapp (AUS) 2nd appearance
Filippo Zana (ITA) 6th appearance
Brent Copeland, General Manager of the team, explains: "It's always a great emotion for us to announce the team that will race the Giro d'Italia. The Italian race is not only one of the main events in the international cycling calendar, but it's also an event we feel particularly connected to from a sporting and emotional perspective. The 'pink race' always offers a mix of emotions, and those who love this sport cannot help but love the Giro. Selecting riders for such an important race is never an easy task precisely because it is prestigious. However, our staff has worked hard to select a team they believe is most suitable for this three-week race. We will be at the start of the Grand Departure in Albania with a lineup ready to battle in every stage. Preparation for a Giro d'Italia began long ago in winter, and I'm sure our athletes are ready to put on a show every day. I expect a determined and aggressive team that can perform well alongside our sponsors, fans, and all the staff who are part of the GreenEDGE family".
Chris Harper adds: "I'm very happy to be at the start of the 2025 Giro d'Italia. This will be my second participation in the event after my debut in 2020. I think I've reached a good level of preparation, and my intention is to gradually grow over the three weeks of the Giro to then truly give my all in the last week when the Alps will be very decisive. The course is, as always, very selective, and every stage can hide pitfalls. My goal is to do well in the general classification, and I'm sure that with the team we have, we can achieve a lot, and the team will give me great support".
Finally, David McPartland, Team Sports Director: "We have a very strong group going to the Giro this year. It's a very important race for us and one in which we've had many satisfactions over the years. Chris Harper will be our leader for the general classification, our objective with him is a top ten finish and we believe he is capable of achieving it. For the rest of the team, we have a truly aggressive lineup with many guys who have the opportunity to win a stage. The Giro has a spectacular start in Albania and then the course reflects traditions with a second part of the race truly challenging between the Dolomites and the Alps. Before reaching them, we have two important individual time trials of more than 42 km and the very interesting gravel stage in Tuscany, which is harder than last year and very important for anyone with general classification ambitions".
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