Vingegaard yes or no? Evenepoel yes or no? The anticipation for the next Giro 2026 revolves around these two champions, and former national coach Davide Cassani went into detail. "The first mountain finish at Blockhaus will be tough: it will be climbed from the most challenging side, and usually the first climb in a grand tour always makes the difference. And then there's the 40 km time trial which is no small thing and could also be decisive."

A test that winks at Remco Evenepoel, Olympic champion and three-time world champion in the discipline, whom everyone would like to see in the pink race.

"Yes, here he could gain quite a bit against all others, but we'll have to understand his schedule, because if he focuses on the classics and wants to race the Tour, he won't be able to do the Giro."

The last week will be very tough and could favor Jonas Vingegaard. Another champion that all Italians would love to see on our roads.

"If I were Vingegaard, I would do the Giro and Tour, because he doesn't have the pressure of the classics. In my opinion, such a Giro would be ideal for Jonas, because first he can win the Giro, and then for a rider like the Dane, doing two grand tours, focusing his season on these, is absolutely in his wheelhouse."

Regarding Pogacar, Davide Cassani drew a careful profile of the Slovenian champion, explaining that at the moment he is too strong and no one is yet able to reach his level.

"I think that for at least another two years, if there are no issues, his level will remain this. He's 27 years old, until 29 or 30 I believe he'll be at this standard, so he'll be a problem for others. Beating him is really complicated, especially in an attacking grand tour."

Pogacar is strong and races might become boring when he's present, but Cassani disagrees.

"You know very well that Tadej can start and drop everyone, but I don't get bored watching Sinner when he wins, just like I don't get bored seeing Van der Poel in cyclocross knowing he'll win even before the start. I am still fascinated by the great feats of a rider: perhaps because I was one, or rather because I was a mediocre rider, so honestly seeing what someone like Pogacar does doesn't bore me, but gives me the opportunity to understand how far an athlete can go."