The podium at the Giro d’Italia Next Gen. 📸 LaPresse.

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The Giro d’Italia Next Gen has long been one of cycling’s most important proving grounds, offering a glimpse of the riders who could shape the sport’s future. This year’s edition delivered plenty of action, from Lorenzo Finn’s commanding overall victory to a host of breakout performances that underscored the depth of talent emerging from the U23 ranks.

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For some, the race confirmed what scouts and team managers already suspected. For others, it served as a breakout performance on one of the biggest stages in U23 racing. With the Tour de l’Avenir, World Championships and contract negotiations looming, the Giro’s top performers now face a crucial next phase in their careers.

From riders already earmarked for WorldTour promotion to those still honing their craft in development squads, here’s a look at what comes next for the top 10 riders in the 2026 Giro d’Italia Next Gen general classification.

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Giro performance: Finn was in a league of his own, putting the rest of the field to the sword on the road to Monte Livata with a decisive solo move, before managing his lead with maturity the next day, and then landing the killer blow with a second stage win in the 22.2km time trial to L’Aquila. This was a consummate performance from the young Italian, who returned from injuries sustained earlier in the year to find his form when it mattered most. He was forced out of the Tour of the Alps in April with a broken wrist, and the comeback alone deserves praise.

What’s next: Finn has the Tour de l’Avenir bookmarked for August, with the Sibiu Cycling Tour and UCI World Championships either side. He was fourth on GC in France last year, and with the top three now in the WorldTour, he’ll start as the undisputed favourite. Then it’s off to Canada to defend his rainbow jersey. Long-term, he’s signed on with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for at least 2027 and 2028, with his move to the WorldTour already confirmed. Finn won’t be the only rider on this list who will probably negotiate a new contract over the winter, with the German team certain to seek a contract extension in a bid to ward off any potential threats from rival teams. And when it comes to potential threats, we mean Netcompany Ineos, who will surely see Finn as the perfect pivot if they miss out on Paul Seixas.

Giro performance: This was a huge breakout performance for Ramírez, who came into the race with just one day of racing in his legs all season due to an injury sustained at the start of the campaign. He was second behind Finn on the major mountain stage that effectively decided the podium, and then came through with an excellent fifth in the TT at the end of the race. Despite the lack of prep, the signs were always there that Ramírez had this level of performance in his locker. He was sixth in the Tour de l’Avenir last year and second at the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta – Mont Blanc, so when it comes to Avenir later this year he’ll be a genuine contender to go up against Finn.