They call it the Spring World Championship for Juniors for a reason. The roll of honor of the Giro del Belvedere, in fact, leaves no room for doubt: in 103 years of history, many cycling champions have left their mark on the roads of Treviso.

On Monday, April 6, at Villa di Cordignano, history is ready to renew itself with the best Under 23 riders in the world ready to face off — and perhaps to establish themselves — on a 168-kilometer course that shows no mercy to anyone.

The defending champion is Lorenzo Finn, who arrived last year at the Easter Monday classic with all the hallmarks of a chosen one and backed by the junior world title he won the previous year. The Ligurian talent didn't take long to settle into his new category, asserting himself with authority at the Giro del Belvedere and then repeating his success at the World Championships in Rwanda.

Should he participate, Finn would line up at the start wearing the rainbow jersey and with the chance to chase a consecutive back-to-back victory that has been missing for 66 years, namely since Claudio Zanchetta's double in 1959-1960. While the Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe Rookies rider makes up his mind about his participation, his great rival from the Rwanda World Championships has already announced his entry: Swiss rider Jan Huber. For the Team Tudor rider, it will be his debut at the Giro del Belvedere, but it's safe to bet he'll be a protagonist right away.

Among the men who will try to make a difference in the climbs, Ecuadorian Mateo Ramirez (UAE Gen Z) is certainly one of the most favored riders. Raised following the example of Jhonatan Narváez, Ramirez at just 18 years old has already come close to a major upset at the Giro della Valle d'Aosta and finished sixth at the Tour de l'Avenir, showing characteristics of a pure climber.

In France — and particularly in Team Decathlon — eyes are on Paul Seixas, but growing rapidly in his shadow is Aubin Sparfel. Unlike his more famous compatriot, Sparfel is a fast rider but capable of holding his own on short climbs: an athlete seemingly perfect for the Giro del Belvedere.

A similar profile is that of Polish rider Jan Michal Jackowiak (Bahrain Victorious): just 18 years old, but already a strong personality for this rider who at the Giro di Sardegna proved he could compete on equal terms with professionals. Back in Italy, pending Finn's possible return, the certainties are represented by Mattia Negrente and Ludovico Maria Mellano of XDS Astana Development Team.

The countdown has begun and, as every Easter Monday, the roads of Villa di Cordignano are preparing to host a challenge that smells of the future. Because at the Belvedere, for over a century, you don't race just to win: you race to become someone.