Imagine a 22-year-old cyclist, already a Grand Tour top-10 finisher, declaring his ambition to shatter his own record. That's exactly what Giulio Pellizzari, the rising star of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, is aiming for. But here's where it gets intriguing: can this young climber truly challenge the established giants of the sport and climb even higher in the 2026 Giro d'Italia? And this is the part most people miss: Pellizzari isn't just a promising talent; he's a calculated risk-taker, already proving his mettle against seasoned veterans like Richard Carapaz and Simon Yates.
Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has assembled a formidable roster, boasting Grand Tour specialists like Florian Lipowitz, Primoz Roglic, and former Giro winner Jai Hindley. Amidst this star-studded lineup, Pellizzari, a product of the Italian Bardiani team, stands out as a wildcard. His explosive climbing abilities caught the eye of the German squad, and they secured his signature after his breakout 2024 season.
In 2025, Pellizzari showcased his versatility. He played a crucial role as Roglic's lieutenant at the Volta a Catalunya and the Giro d'Italia, demonstrating his ability to support a team leader. But the real surprise came on Stage 16 of the Giro: Pellizzari unleashed his climbing prowess, leaving established names like Carapaz and del Toro in his wake on the ascent to San Valentino. Granted freedom in the final week, he surged from 18th to 6th overall, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
He replicated this success at the Vuelta a España, finishing 6th overall and securing a second place in the youth classification. His victory on the grueling Alto de El Morredero stage was a testament to his climbing prowess. What's truly remarkable is his consistency: at just 21, he completed two Grand Tours in a single season, a feat rarely achieved by riders at this stage of their careers.
Controversially, some argue that Pellizzari's success is due to the strength of his team rather than his individual talent. What do you think?
With his sights set on the 2026 Giro d'Italia, Pellizzari is determined to improve upon his 6th place finish. He'll once again partner with Jai Hindley, forming a potent climbing duo. While Evenepoel and Lipowitz lead the charge at the Tour de France, the Giro team will feature Pellizzari, Hindley, sprint specialist Danny van Poppel, and Aleksandr Vlasov, who will provide crucial support in the mountains and potentially target stage wins.
"The conditions are favorable," Pellizzari told Quotidiano Sportivo. "We need to compete to gauge our level. I'm aiming to surpass my 6th place finish at the Giro d'Italia in 2025."
Pellizzari's ambition is undeniable. With his talent, determination, and the backing of a powerhouse team, he has the potential to shake up the cycling world. Will he climb to even greater heights in 2026? Only time will tell. What are your predictions for Pellizzari's Giro d'Italia campaign? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
