Filippo Ganna Eyes Home Victory at the Giro d’Italia

After a commanding performance in the Tuscan time trial, Filippo Ganna has shifted his focus toward a different kind of challenge: securing a road race victory on home soil. As the Giro d’Italia continues, the Italian star has identified the stage to Verbania as a primary objective, aiming to demonstrate his versatility beyond his world-class time-trialing capabilities.

Beyond the Time Trial

Ganna’s reputation as a powerhouse against the clock is well-earned. Of his eight career Giro stage wins, seven have come in time trials. His singular road race victory occurred during the 2020 edition, where he broke away in the rain-soaked hills of Calabria to finish alone in Camigliatello Silano. With 40 professional victories to his name—35 of which are time trials—Ganna is eager to prove his worth in tactical road racing.

His capability as a road rider is evident in his victory at this year’s Dwars door Vlaanderen, where he outpaced Wout Van Aert in the closing moments. His two runner-up finishes in Milan-San Remo, achieved alongside Tadej Pogačar, underscore his ability to contend with the world’s best in classic-style racing.

The Road to Verbania

The route to Verbania presents a unique opportunity. While largely flat for the first 165 km, the stage features the 4.7 km Ungiasca climb, followed by a technical 14 km descent toward the lakeside finish. Ganna acknowledges the difficulty of the task, noting that victory will likely require joining a successful breakaway.

“I can’t deny my home stage to Verbania stands out for me, but we’ll have to see if the peloton lets me go in a break and then lets us stay away,” Ganna said. While he remains a key part of the team strategy to protect Thymen Arensman’s general classification hopes, Ganna has confirmed he will have the freedom to play his own cards when the opportunity arises.

Future Ambitions and World Championships

Looking beyond the Giro, Ganna’s season is defined by his preparation for the UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, Canada, this September. His primary goal is to challenge three-time world champion Remco Evenepoel in the time trial. To bridge the gap, Ganna plans to spend time in the wind tunnel throughout the summer to refine his aerodynamic position and lower his Coefficient of Aerodynamic Drag (CDA).

Geraint Thomas, a teammate and Director of Racing, remains optimistic about Ganna’s prospects. “The time trial worlds is something that gets him out of bed every morning,” Thomas noted. “He wants to go and try and win that rainbow jersey again. I don’t buy into the narrative that just because Remco is super aero that he is going to win again. You’ve got to be in top shape as well.”

Key Takeaways

• Versatility Focus: Ganna is actively seeking to expand his palmarès with more road race victories to complement his time trial dominance.
• Strategic Patience: Success at the Verbania stage depends on tactical positioning and the freedom to pursue breakaway opportunities.
• World Championship Prep: The upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Montréal are the centerpiece of Ganna’s late-season calendar, with intensive aero-testing planned.
• Career Longevity: With his current contract extending through 2027, Ganna remains a cornerstone for his team, with eyes already turning toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As the Giro d’Italia progresses, all eyes will be on whether Ganna can translate his immense power into a celebratory moment on the roads of Verbania. His evolution from a specialist to a versatile contender remains one of the most compelling narratives in professional cycling.