On the eve of the Giro del Belvedere, one name captures the attention of rivals and insiders: that of Lorenzo Finn. Nineteen years old, carrying on his shoulders a rainbow jersey that weighs more than any prediction. On Monday, April 6, at Villa di Cordignano (TV), all eyes will be on him: the U23 World Champion will be at the start of the 87th edition, which promises spectacle and emotion.
Trying to steal the spotlight will be 174 riders representing 35 teams, ready to prevent him from achieving an feat that has been missing on the Treviso roads for 66 years: winning two consecutive editions. The last to accomplish this was Claudio Zanchetta, in the 1959-1960 biennium. The last victory at Belvedere in the rainbow jersey dates back to 1980, signed by Gianni Giacomini, World Amateur Champion the year before in Valkenburg.
The magnitude of the feat promises to be considerable also in light of a startlist that confirms the Giro del Belvedere as a true spring "World Championship for U23s." Among the most anticipated rivals is Swiss rider Jan Huber (Tudor Pro Cycling), already on the podium at the U23 Worlds in Rwanda alongside Finn. Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Rookies will also count on Max Bock: much more than a simple domestique, as demonstrated by his eighth place at the last Tour de l'Avenir.
From France, with Team Decathlon, comes Aubin Sparfel: raised in the shadow of Seixas, the nineteen-year-old from Épinal is a complete rider, resistant on short climbs and fast in the sprint. Also worth watching is Polish rider Jan Michal Jackowiak (Bahrain Victorious): just 18 years old, but already a strong personality for Eastern Europe's new hope, as demonstrated at the Giro di Sardegna against professionals.
Not just Finn: Italy can count on several interesting cards, from Enea Sambinello (UAE Team Emirates) to Tommaso Bambagioni (Team Technipes), to Astana athletes Ludovico Mellano and Simone Zanini, the latter a legacy rider: his uncle is Stefano Zanini, winner on the Champs-Élysées at the 2000 Tour de France.
Supporting the riders will also be great names in cycling: Gilberto Simoni, two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia in 2001 and 2003, Sacha Modolo, Davide Cimolai and Evgenij Berzin, first place finisher of the 1994 Giro. They will be the guests of this 87th edition along with the President of FCI Veneto Mario Guerretta, the President of FCI Treviso Giorgio Dal Bo and Vice President Stefano Bandolin. Also present is Diego Bragato, head of the Italian National Team's performance department, confirming the race's value as a showcase for future talents.
The 168 km route with start and finish at Villa di Cordignano is confirmed. After eight passages on the Conche circuit, the central part will continue to be characterized by the climb of Piai della Vigna, inaugurated in 2023 for the Centenary edition and since then a crucial turning point in the route. In the final two laps, the climbs of Montaner and Via delle Longhe will inflame the race finale as usual. The Piai della Vigna climb will once again host the "Giro del Buongustare," a gastronomic and wine-tasting route for the public dedicated to the many local excellences, open from 11:00 AM on Monday, April 6.
The Giro del Belvedere program includes the team presentation at 11:45 at Villa Mocenigo-Bernardi in Villa di Villa. The start is set for 1:15 PM, the finish is expected around 5:00 PM, followed at 5:30 PM by the awards ceremony still at Villa Mocenigo-Bernardi.
In the evening, at 10:15 PM, an extensive summary of the race will be broadcast on Rai Sport with commentary by Andrej Marusic. Replays are also scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 11:10 AM, Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 AM and 11:00 PM, and Thursday, April 9 at 12:20 PM.
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