Giro d’Italia benefits from Pogacar and Vingegaard’s dominance: Groupama and Quick-Step also bringing top riders to Italy

David Gaudu is gearing up for an ambitious 2025. For years, the Groupama-FDJ climber has focused on the Tour de France, but this year he’s adding the Giro d’Italia to his schedule. It will be his first time tackling the Italian Grand Tour, but Gaudu is not planning a quiet debut. Additionally, it won’t be Remco Evenepoel, but Mikel Landa representing Soudal Quick-Step at the Giro. The last time the Basque rider competed in the Italian Grand Tour, he had great success.

The 28-year-old climber, who salvaged his last season with a sixth-place finish in the Vuelta a España, is taking a new approach this year. The Vuelta provided Gaudu with a boost, both physically and mentally. "During the Vuelta, I rediscovered my form and my place in the peloton," he told L’Équipe. Gaudu even broke personal records, and showed remarkable performance levels.

Text continues below photo.

David Gaudu

Gaudu did not want to go to Tour after contracting Covid

However, the lead-up to the Vuelta wasn’t without its challenges. Gaudu endured a tough end to 2023, which carried over into early 2024. "Before the Tour, there were times when I was really struggling and not at my usual level. I told myself to recover bit by bit and make the most of the next block," he said.

And that's what he did, until illness disrupted his preparation. "I was regaining my sensations, and then bam, I caught Covid. A week before the Tour, I was exhausted — after riding for just 90 minutes, I’d sleep on the couch for two hours because I was so drained. I didn’t want to go to the Tour. I couldn’t imagine covering even 20 or 30 kilometers with the peloton." Despite his reservations, the 28-year-old rider did compete in the Grand Tour. "I don’t even know how I got through the first stage (he finished 136th, ed.). I was thrilled when I passed the 30-kilometer mark and told myself, ‘Just 30 more,’" Gaudu recalled about his grueling Tour. "I again learned how to persevere and not give up, which set me up for my strong Vuelta performance."

Text continues below photo.

A few years younger Gaudu 

A Giro podium finish should be possible, according to Gaudu

With this mindset, Gaudu looks ahead to 2025 with high expectations. The 2022 Tour’s fourth-place finisher has found his confidence again. "I’m excited to discover the Giro. I’d like it to be similar to my Vuelta experience, competing in the general classification and fighting for a top-five finish or even the podium. We’ll have to see who lines up because if Roglic, Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel are there, that would complicate things, for sure. But a Giro podium is definitely more realistic than in the Tour."

Nonethless, skipping the Tour is unthinkable for a French rider. Gaudu acknowledges that competing in both races may limit his form, especially in terms of the Tour GC. "With the Giro in my legs, I won’t have the same freshness, but maybe I’ll take more risks. If the Giro goes well, I’ll have nothing to lose," he concluded boldly. Gaudu will also race in the Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Tour of Romandie.

Groupama-FDJ has also welcomed a new leader this winter: Guillaume Martin, who joined from Cofidis. The 32-year-old Martin will join Gaudu for the Tour de France, and will target the Vuelta later in the season.

Text continues below the X message.

Landa targets the Giro, which rules out Evenepoel

Mikel Landa will lead Soudal Quick-Step in the Giro d’Italia this May. For the 35-year-old Basque rider, it will mark his eighth participation in the Corsa Rosa. He last competed in 2022, when he finished third. Landa also secured podium finishes in 2015 and a fourth-place finish in 2019. He also already has three stage wins and a mountain jersey under his proverbial Giro belt. Needless to say, the Giro suits Landa quite well.

Landa had a successful debut season with Soudal Quick-Step in 2024. He finished fifth in the Tour de France and eighth in the Vuelta a España. In 2025, he aims to secure another top-10 finish in Italy.

The Giro’s route will be unveiled next Monday in Rome. It has already been confirmed that the race will begin in Albania. The country will host three stages, including a 14-kilometer individual time trial through the streets of Tirana, the capital.

Text continues below photo.

Landa riding the 2024 Vuelta

Landa will fight for stage wins and a solid GC

As a climber, Landa expressed his excitement about competing in the Giro. "I am very happy that I will race the Giro, which holds a special place in my heart. It’s the race that helped me make a name as a rider. Back in 2015 I won two stages there and finished third on the standings, and that stage I won over Mortirolo with the finish in Aprica is to this day one of my best memories," Landa said in a press release. "It’s going to be a challenge, because there will be many good riders at the start, but I will do my best to fight for a stage win and a good result in the general classification."

His announcement essentially rules out Remco Evenepoel’s participation in the 108th Giro. "We could try, but it will be difficult. Preparing for a Grand Tour takes five to six months, and I won’t have that time," Evenepoel said, referring to his current injury. "So I am leaning towards saying 'no Giro,'" Remco already told HLN. Both Landa and Evenepoel are expected to compete together at the Tour de France.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe