The 2025 edition of GranPiemonte boasts one of the strongest start lists in recent years. Add to that an unpredictable course, suited to riders with very different characteristics, and the stage is set for 179 kilometers of action, from Dogliani to Acqui Terme.
All eyes will be on Neilson Powless (EF Education–EasyPost), who will pin on number 1 as last year’s solo winner. The American is a generous, all-round rider with the qualities to defend his crown, though his form remains uncertain after a quiet racing schedule over the past month. Still, he won’t give up without a fight. The top favorite, however, is undoubtedly Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). This year alone, the Mexican has racked up six Italian Classics, including Milano–Torino and Giro dell’Emilia, alongside his memorable 2nd place at the Giro d’Italia and 11 days in the Maglia Rosa. A star was born in 2025, and GranPiemonte looks like the perfect stage for him to shine once more.
As always, UAE will bring plenty of depth, backing Del Toro with Pavel Sivakov and Alessandro Covi. Another squad coming in with an attacking mindset is XDS Astana, led by Christian Scaroni, who confirmed his step up in quality with 4th at the European Championships, alongside teammates Simone Velasco, Diego Ulissi, Clément Champoussin, and Alberto Bettiol.
The home crowd will roar for Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers), stung by yet another narrow defeat to Remco Evenepoel in the European time trial, as he looks to finish his season on a high. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Mark Finn (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe), the U23 World Champion and fresh winner of the Coppa Città di San Daniele, is eager to prove his talent among the pros.
Jayco AlUla will hedge its bets on Michael Matthews, should the race play out less selectively, while Ben O’Connor will be their card for attacks on the double ascent of Castelletto d’Erro. If the race goes hard, watch for Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious), 3rd at the Giro dell’Emilia, Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility), and Louis Barré (Intermarché-Wanty). If it comes down to a reduced sprint, contenders include Matteo Trentin (Tudor), Orluis Aular (Movistar), Tobias Lund Andresen (Picnic PostNL), and Quinten Hermans (Alpecin–Deceuninck).
Opportunities also beckon for two riders seeking redemption after a frustrating season: Marc Hirschi (Tudor), always a force in Italy’s autumn races, and Maxim Van Gils (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe), perfectly suited to this parcours. Other names not to overlook are Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious), Andrea Bagioli (Lidl-Trek) – winner here in 2023 – Carlos Canal (Movistar), 2nd at Coppa Agostoni, Matteo Sobrero (Red Bull–Bora-hansgrohe), racing close to home, the experienced Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos Grenadiers), and Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar).
Click here to discover all the Teams of GranPiemonte 2025.
