Giro d’Italia 2023 - 5 riders to watch out for in Italian Grand Tour
The first men's Grand Tour of 2023 sees current UCI Road World Champion Remco Evenepoel battle it out against Primož Roglič and Tao Geoghegan Hart across 20 stages of the 106th Giro d'Italia
The Giro d’Italia 2023 kicks off on Saturday 6 May on the Adriatic Coast. The first Grand Tour of the year will see some of the finest road riders in the world battle it out across 20 stages, all with the chance of winning the famous Maglia Rosa (pink jersey).
The Giro provides another brilliant chance in the 2023 men's road season to see who’s in good form ahead of August’s Men Elite Road Race at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Here are five riders to keep an eye on at the 2023 Giro d’Italia who could also be making an appearance across Scotland in August.
5 Riders to watch out for in Giro d'Italia 2023
Remco Evenepoel
The Belgian cyclist stormed to victory at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. Now wearing the iconic rainbow bands, Remco Evenepoel arrives at the Giro d’Italia in scintillating form.
The 23-year-old won his second Liége-Bastogne-Liége in April, beating out rival Tadej Pogačer after he crashed out earlier in the race. Evenepoel is a thrilling rider to watch thanks to his imperious attacks and formidable riding style.
The rainbow jersey can create a target on a riders back, but Evenepoel is taking it all in his pedal stroke. If he stays fit and injury free, expect the Belgian star to be a headline act as the riders make their way into Glasgow in August.
Primož Roglič
Billed as the second favourite to wear the Maglia Rosa in 2023, Primož Roglič is a rider you can’t take your eyes off in a Grand Tour. Much like his Slovenian counterpart, Tadej Pogačer, Roglič has built an impressive reputation at putting in commanding performances on cycling’s biggest stages.
The Slovenian comes into the 2023 Giro d’Italia after recovering from shoulder surgery in the off season. That has put no halt to the start of his 2023, with the rider picking up two stage races already this year.
Built for mountain stages, Roglič is also a very impressive time trialist, and will be a threat across the tour's three individual time trial stages. Already with a top ten finish at a UCI Road World Championships in 2020, the Slovenian may be one of the numerous big stars to watch in Stirling for the Men Elite Time Trial on Friday 11 August.
Tao Geoghegan Hart
After taking a surprising, but stunning, victory at the 2020 Giro d’Italia, Geoghegan Hart returns to the Grand Tour after two years of injury and illness.
Already showcasing some very impressive form at the 2023 Tour of the Alps, the Brit will be looking to cause a shake-up in the General Classification fight. Geoghegan Hart arrives at the Giro supported by a stacked team-mate line-up at Ineos Grenadiers, which includes fellow GC contender, Geraint Thomas.
With several UCI Road World Championships appearances under his belt for Great Britain, Geoghegan Hart will not be one to miss in August. He will have the potential to be in the line-up for both the Time Trial and Men Elite Road Race at his home World Championships.
Ben Healy
Ben Healy has rose up the UCI men's road rankings after a set of brilliant performances in the Spring Classics.
Despite not claiming victory, the Irish rider made a statement in the Ardennes races, with second place finishes at the Amstel Gold Race and De Brabantse Pijl, and a fourth place at Liége-Bastogne-Liége.
He may not be a favourite to win the pink jersey, Healy will not be one to take your eyes off on the big stages. His performances in 2023 have shown a dedication to long attacks and a willingness to challenge the big names in the peloton.
Ben Healy will potentially have plenty of fans from Ireland making the journey over to Scotland in August, as the former National Road Race Champion and current National Time Trial Champion is very capable of a shock victory in both disciplines.
Mark Cavendish
As the current British Road Race Champion, the Manx Missile continues to dazzle and amaze cycling fans around the road. Now on the cusp of 17 Giro d'Italia stage wins, Mark Cavendish made his debut at the Grand Tour 15 years ago.
Now riding for Astana Qazaqstan, Cavendish has the chance to earn a spot at the 2023 Tour de France if he claims a couple victories across the Giro’s three flat stages. An appearance at Le Tour 2023 could see Cavendish surpass Eddy Merckx joint record of 34 stage wins.
Despite Great Britain’s growing list of young road cycling talent, as current National Road Champion Cavendish has shown that he still more than capable of claiming victory on home soil. With a street circuit and potential sprint finish into George Square, the potential opportunity to see Cavendish go for victory in Glasgow will not be one to miss in August.
Road at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
The road events will be taking place from 05 - 06, 08 - 13 August 2023 across Scotland.
If you want to learn more about the road events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships - Glasgow and across Scotland, you can find out more via our Road section on our website.
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