While the recently concluded Giro d'Italia saw only one Italian stage victory (Christian Scaroni in the splendid sprint finish with Lorenzo Fortunato at San Valentino Brentonico), we hope to see more Italian flashes at the upcoming Giro Next Gen. Among the most anticipated Azzurri is certainly Lorenzo Mark Finn, last year's junior world champion, and captain of the ambitious Red Bull BORA hansgrohe Rookies.

The 18-year-old from Genoa is preparing for the pink race scheduled from June 15 to 22 in Andorra, during a three-week training camp (which will conclude next Sunday), under the supervision of John Wakefield, Development Director and Performance Coach of the Red Bull BORA hansgrohe Cycling Team, who has bet on this Italian talent who has all the credentials to aspire to wear the pink jersey of the pros one day.

Lorenzo, you've never raced an 8-day event, do you feel ready?

"Yes, we've worked well and I have no pressure. After resolving the collarbone injury, the team and I have focused on this big goal. I can't wait. I'll have experienced teammates and a staff that will support us 100% as they're already doing excellently in this preparation phase. I'll try to do my best. The goal is always to test myself and improve. This first grand tour (this summer he'll also race Tour de l'Avenir with the Italian National Team, ed.) represents another important piece in my growth".

Have you studied the route?

"I know it, it winds through Lombardy, Emilia, and Piedmont, so not far from home. Mom Chiara, dad Peter, the family in general, and friends will come to see me. We start with a time trial, I've only used the specific bike in this last training camp and it'll be the first time racing this year, but it's only 8 km so I don't think it'll make much difference. Regarding the general classification, the difference will be made in the two toughest stages, the third with a finish at Passo del Maniva and the seventh ending at Prato Nevoso, but keep an eye on the last one in Pinerolo too. Personally, I prefer days with more climbs than those with just one climb".

With what ambitions are you approaching the start?

"I'm coming with good condition, we'll see what the road tells us... If the hoped-for results come, great, otherwise we have many cards to play in the team. The world champion jersey I won a year ago doesn't come with me and belongs to a past category. Among the Under 23s, everything is new, and this Giro Next Gen will be the longest race I've ever raced. I know everyone in Italy is waiting for the 'new Nibali' for grand tours, but it's definitely too early to think of me in that sense. I still have a lot of work to do and no rush".

At the pro Giro, the Red Bull Team wasn't very lucky, Hindley and Roglic crashed and were forced to withdraw. Maybe we younger brothers can prove ourselves more.

"Obviously, I hope for a different fate for us. Winning the pink or yellow jersey is the dream of every child. I started pedaling watching the Tour de France, and for the characteristics that distinguish me, the team sees me as a potential grand tour rider, but I also like one-day races, the Classics, especially the Ardennes".

At the end of the Giro Next Gen, you'll be happy if...

"I'll be happy anyway because my girlfriend will be waiting for me at the finish line (smiles, ed.). Right now, it's hard to say if I'll be able to win a stage or the general classification. I'll be satisfied if I've given my all, avoiding injuries and illnesses. Let's say the realistic goal I can set for myself is to earn the flowers to give to Fabiana. Those, if you finish last, they don't give you...".

photo ©Flavio Moretti / Red Bull BORA hansgrohe Rookies