Twelve months ago, Pogačar claimed six stage wins and took the race lead on stage two and never relinquished it, winning the corsa rosa by a staggering nine minutes and 56 seconds.

It was to be his first of two grand tour victories in 2024, with the Slovenian winning his third Tour de France just two months later.

The world champion has been in just as imperious form this season, notching up a further seven victories, but the 26-year-old is not defending the maglia rosa he won at last year’s Giro.

Instead, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider is at altitude training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada, preparing for the defence of his Tour title.

Velo spoke to multiple GC hitters at the Giro’s team presentation in Tirana, Albania, and the general consensus was that Pogačar’s non-participation will make the Giro a more exciting race.

This article was published on Velo during the 2025 Giro d’Italia. You can read the full article here.