The U23 World Champion returns to the Easter Monday classic on April 6 in rainbow jersey: the 2025 winner and Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe aim for a historic back-to-back at Villa di Cordignano
The images and emotions of the 2025 Giro del Belvedere are still vivid in the minds of the fans who crowd the roads of Villa di Cordignano (Northern Italy) every Easter Monday. A feeling of having witnessed something special — the rise of a talent primed to leave a mark on international cycling.
One year on, Lorenzo Finn is set to return to the Giro del Belvedere on Monday, April 6, not only as the defending champion, but now wearing the U23 World Champion’s rainbow jersey. Since his victory in Treviso last spring, the 19-year-old from Genoa has gone on to claim the world title in Rwanda, securing back-to-back rainbow jerseys after his junior triumph in Switzerland in 2024.
The rainbow jersey will thus be the highlight of the 2026 Giro del Belvedere. Finn has all the credentials to deliver another standout performance — and to achieve a consecutive victory that remains unique in the history of the Easter Monday classic. Only Claudio Zanchetta managed the feat, winning two consecutive editions in 1959 and 1960. As for victories in the rainbow jersey, the roll of honour lists just one name: Gianni Giacomini, who won in 1980, in the era of the amateur world championships.
Finn will be backed by a consistently ambitious and competitive Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Rookies team, one of the sport’s leading development programmes that keeps producing riders destined for cycling’s top tier, the WorldTour. The Italian has already had a first taste of racing at the highest level earlier this season, an experience he is set to repeat in the coming weeks at the Tour of the Alps.
“At the Giro del Belvedere I gained confidence and realised I can perform even in a demanding category like the U23s,” said Finn. “It’s a beautiful race and I feel I’m improving. Race after race, I’m feeling better and better.”
In Treviso, Finn will face a familiar rival: Jan Huber of Tudor Pro Cycling, who took silver at the World Championships in Rwanda. “The level is extremely high,” Finn added. “All the strongest teams are here. Racing in the rainbow jersey is already something incredible — I’ll try to enjoy it to the fullest.”
“I’ll approach the race in a similar way to last year: I need to stay attentive in the first part, and then, as always, everything will be decided on the final climbs. After the Giro del Belvedere, I’ll look to gain experience at the Tour of the Alps with the main team, with the goal of arriving in good condition for the Giro Next Gen.”
Finn’s bid for a repeat victory will be tested on the traditional 168 km course with more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain, featuring the key climbs of Conche, Piai della Vigna, Montaner and Via delle Longhe, which will once again decide the outcome of a race that remains open until the very end.
The race program on Monday, April 6 includes the team presentation from 11:00 at Villa Mocenigo-Bernardi in Villa di Villa. The start is scheduled for 13:15, with the finish expected around 17:00, followed by the podium ceremony at the same venue.
