Vingegaard and Seixas should ride the 2027 Giro d’Italia: 'Climbers will be very happy'

The Belgian commentator shares his thoughts on Eurosport. He’s really looking forward to the first week, which starts in Trieste.

“It’s a really beautiful, varied first week with opportunities for puncheurs, sprinters, and climbers, featuring two mountain finishes. There’s also a mountain time trial, so there’s something for everyone. The stages are a bit shorter, which leaves you wanting more.”

Vanbelleghem does, however, see a course that isn’t ideal for true sprinters.

“It’ll be tough for sprinters, with many stages that seem flat until a hill appears in the final stretch. That’s not ideal for the sprinters, and they won’t be happy about it. I think there are four 100 percent opportunities for riders like Merlier, but the other stages will be too difficult.”

The focus is on the final week. The Belgian does think the queen stage there is a bit too tough.

“I think it’s a very nice route, though I could have done without the second climb up the Mortirolo. That stage would have been nicely challenging with just one Mortirolo, and this wasn’t necessary. It’s too much of a good thing, and the riders are going to save their energy for the final stretch, so that’s going to be a grueling day to kick off the third week.”

With Monte Zoncolan added to the route, Vanbelleghem knows who should head to the Giro.

“The climbers will be very happy with eight mountain finishes, if you count the mountain time trial. There are only three in the Tour, so this is a fantastic race for climbers. Riders like Gall and Carapaz will be very happy, and so will Vingegaard. For him, this is a fantastic Grand Tour; much better than the Tour de France in terms of the course,” said the Eurosport commentator.

Visma | Lease a Bike had also commented on the Giro d'Italia route and was quite positive about it. However, no statements were made regarding a possible attempt by Vingegaard to defend his title. The person who did comment on a possible participation was Paul Seixas. The French rider from Decathlon CMA CGM didn’t want to confirm anything yet, but he was open to the idea of competing.

According to Vanbelleghem, that would be a good idea. “Seixas will also like this route if he chooses the Giro. The question is which top riders will choose which race.” The Giro is truly a course for climbers, but there are also puncheurs who will be happy with it. I’m really curious to see which top riders will choose it. I think it’s an attractive course with something for everyone.”