Giulio Pellizzari has long been recognized as a highly promising climber, but the 22-year-old Italian truly made his breakthrough at the highest level last season. In 2026, he hopes to continue this upward trajectory, preferably in the Giro d'Italia.
The rider from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe has a clear preference when it comes to his race schedule. "I have asked if I can compete again in the Giro d'Italia, but we will see when the program is announced in December," the Spanish Ciclo 21 quotes the young Pellizzari.
In 2024, the climber became one of the revelations of the Giro d’Italia. He had already shown his potential in smaller and more well-known stage races. This was reason enough for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe to sign him last winter. They surely have no regrets. Pellizzari made giant strides in his development this year.
The Italian—who celebrated his 22nd birthday last Friday—finished sixth in this year’s Giro after an incredibly strong final week, especially following the withdrawals of team leaders Primož Roglič and Jai Hindley. In the autumn, Pellizzari repeated this feat at the Vuelta a España by again finishing sixth overall and taking a stage win.
Giulio Pellizzari lets out a scream: he wins a mountain stage in the Vuelta – photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos
On the arrival of Remco Evenepoel
The question remains whether he will have the freedom to fully develop again in 2026, knowing that the team has signed a new (Grand Tour) leader in Remco Evenepoel.
Pellizzari is, in any case, looking forward to working with the Belgian world-class rider. "We now have two of the four best cyclists in the world on our team," he said, also referring to Primož Roglič. "For a young rider like me, it’s an amazing opportunity to grow together with him (Evenepoel, ed.)," he concludes.
