The Giro dell’Emilia returns Saturday, 3 October, with Brandon McNulty making his first start in the rainbow jersey. The 109th edition runs 197.9km from Ferrara to Bologna, finishing atop the steep San Luca climb.
The race again brings a high-quality field to one of Italy’s most distinctive one-day finales. Multiple ascents of San Luca usually force early selections and repeated attacks before the final climb.
McNulty will line up for UAE Team Emirates-XRG after becoming world champion. His first appearance in the rainbow bands adds another storyline to a race often shaped by explosive climbers.
Giro dell’Emilia route builds toward San Luca finale
The route opens away from the hardest gradients before the climbing begins after 111.5km. The first categorized test is Loiano, a 6.6km ascent averaging 5.7%.
That climb offers a measured introduction before the sharper Pianoro va Belvedere. The climb is only 1.8km long, but its 9.2% average gradient should increase pressure in the bunch.
The decisive phase starts with five climbs of San Luca. The first passage over the climb comes with 37.5km remaining.
Between those ascents, riders will also face four climbs of Monte Albano. That short 1.1km rise should keep the race tense between the steeper San Luca efforts.
San Luca measures just under 2km, yet its profile can punish poor pacing. The opening 500 metres sit in double-digit gradients before easing to around 7%.
The climb then bites again after roughly 900 metres. Tight hairpins bring ramps of 15%, while the maximum gradient reaches 20% before the road relents.
One final kick near the finish often turns the last metres into a direct fight between the strongest riders. The repeated climbs usually make positioning and timing critical.
Pidcock returns after two straight runner-up finishes
Tom Pidcock arrives as one of the clearest contenders for victory. The Pinarello Q36.5 rider has finished second in the past two editions of the Giro dell’Emilia.
His recent ride in Montréal also points to strong form. Pidcock attacked several times at the Worlds while chasing the rainbow jersey, though he missed out.
If he climbs with similar aggression, San Luca suits his strengths. The steep ramps, short accelerations and technical finale all match his racing style.
The recent winners list shows the calibre needed here. Isaac del Toro beat Pidcock in 2025, while Tadej Pogačar dominated the 2024 race.
Primož Roglič defeated Pogačar in 2023, and Enric Mas won in 2022. Roglič and Aleksandr Vlasov are also among the race’s 2020s winners.
McNulty supported by UAE Team Emirates-XRG options
McNulty has never raced the Giro dell’Emilia before. His debut comes with added attention because it will be his first race as world champion.
His climbing ability and tactical awareness should matter on a course that rewards precise judgment. Momentum from his Worlds victory could also carry into Bologna.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG also brings Tim Wellens and Jhonatan Narvaez. However, a severely selective race among elite climbers may limit their victory chances.
Visma | Lease a Bike will feature Matteo Jorgenson, who played a key role in McNulty’s Worlds triumph. Jorgenson finished eighth in Montréal.
Davide Piganzoli also lines up after recently winning the Tour de Luxembourg. He finished 20th in Montréal and joins Jørgen Nordhagen and Ben Tulett in the team.
Netcompany-Ineos are set to start Thymen Arensman and Oscar Onley. Arensman has not raced since abandoning the GP Montréal.
Onley showed attacking intent at the Worlds and placed 17th. His climbing punch could keep him in the contest deep into the San Luca circuits.
Lenny Martinez is another rider to watch for Bahrain-Victorious. He finished third last year behind Isaac del Toro and Pidcock.
Mikel Landa also features for Soudal Quick-Step during his farewell tour with the team. His best Giro dell’Emilia result remains 13th, achieved in 2025.
With McNulty in rainbow bands and Pidcock chasing a breakthrough, San Luca has the ingredients for another aggressive finale.
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