Under 23 World Champion Lorenzo Finn stands out as favourite for the 2026 Giro Next Gen

Lorenzo Finn, the reigning Under 23 world champion and member of the Red Bull–Bora Hansgrohe Rookies, is widely regarded as the favourite for the upcoming 2026 Giro Next Gen. The eight-day race, starting on 14 June and concluding on 21 June, will cover 1088 kilometres with over 14,000 metres of climbing, all set in southern Italy. The event serves as a key platform for emerging talent on the cusp of professional careers, following the men's and women's Giro d’Italia races earlier this year. The route features a mix of sprint-friendly opening stages and challenging mountain climbs in the Apennines, with the final day’s 22.2km individual time trial expected to be decisive for the general classification. Finn, who is 19 years old and of Anglo-Italian heritage, has opted to remain in the Under 23 category for another season despite already gaining experience racing with the WorldTour team. His main rivals include Paul Seixas and Jakob Omrzel, the 2025 Giro Next Gen winner, both of whom have stepped up to WorldTour teams this year. Finn’s preparation for the race has been marked by resilience, having recovered from a wrist fracture sustained in a crash during the 2025 edition. He has undergone surgery and trained at altitude in recent weeks, confident in his form ahead of the race. Finn emphasised the importance of the final stages and the time trial, noting that managing fatigue will be crucial to success. His previous performances, including a sixth-place finish in last year’s Giro Next Gen and a fourth place at the Tour de l’Avenir, underline his potential as one of Italy’s brightest prospects. Other notable contenders include Daan Dijkman, winner of the U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège, French rider Remi Daumas, and Belgian talents Kamiel Eeman and Matisse Van Kerckhove. Stage hunters such as Aubin Sparfel, Adam Rafferty, and Davide Donati are also expected to animate the race with their aggressive riding. The Giro Next Gen remains a vital proving ground for young riders aiming to make the leap to the professional ranks, with many participants likely to feature prominently in the WorldTour in the coming years. Looking ahead, Finn plans to continue racing with the Red Bull–Bora Hansgrohe team throughout the summer before making the step up to the WorldTour in 2027. His progress will be closely watched as he aims to build on his Under 23 world title and establish himself among the sport’s leading young stage racers. The 2026 Giro Next Gen promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and a key milestone in the development of future cycling stars.