INEOS Grenadiers have selected a dynamic and versatile eight-man squad for the 2025 Giro d’Italia, led by former winner Egan Bernal and Dutch climber Thymen Arensman, who has twice finished sixth overall.
Joining them on the start line are Brandon Rivera, Lucas Hamilton, Josh Tarling, Jonathan Castroviejo, Ben Turner, and Kim Heiduk - a blend of climbing strength, time trial talent, and seasoned leadership.
The demanding parcours is packed with high-altitude challenges, summit finishes and two individual time trials, so the Grenadiers have built a team designed to be competitive across all terrains over the three weeks.
The race kicks off on Friday 9 May, with the opening three stages in Albania, before crossing into Italy.
"The team is hungry and we are going to be coming out fighting every day.”
Egan Bernal
Egan Bernal, the 2021 Giro d’Italia winner:
“The Giro holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I reached one of my greatest milestones in my career in 2021 and I’m both motivated and grateful to be back and leading the team again alongside Thymen.
“This season hasn't been the most straightforward given my broken collarbone after the crash in Clásica Jaén in February. But we had a good rehab plan and I was able to get back on the bike quickly afterwards. I’ve had a solid block of training, and I feel strong heading to the Giro.
“We’ve got a really balanced squad for this year’s edition, with guys who can support in the mountains and others who can look for opportunities for stage wins. The team is hungry and we are going to be coming out fighting every day.”
Thymen Arensman, who delivered a strong performance in the Giro last year and finished sixth overall, is aiming to take another step forward this year:
“The Giro has been a big goal for me since the winter. I have some great memories from this race and always really love racing in Italy. The route is challenging but exciting, with a good mix of terrains and some interesting time trials, so I’m really happy to be going back and to be racing alongside Egan and such a strong group of riders.
“My 2025 season has been quite good so far. I feel stronger and more consistent in races, and I’ve had some nice results which I am proud of, including my first win with the team. That result came in a really special way and has given me a good boost coming ahead of the Giro. I am now focused and looking forward to getting racing.”
The team brings together a strategic balance of youth, experience and different strengths. Josh Tarling is set to make his Giro d’Italia debut, while seasoned campaigners like Jonathan Castroviejo will provide invaluable support in the mountains and against the clock.
Performance Director, Dr. Scott Drawer:
“This Giro team is a strong blend of experience and emerging talent. We’re here to race smart, race hard, and to try to put ourselves in contention for the Maglia Rosa.
“Egan and Thymen give us real depth and leadership in the GC battle. Egan’s journey back to top form has been nothing short of incredible, and his experience at a race like the Giro is invaluable for the rest of the team. Thymen’s progression this season has been great to see and we believe he’s ready to take another step forward at this race.
“Alongside them, we’ve selected a group that’s not only capable of supporting a GC challenge but also dynamic enough to take opportunities across a really demanding and unpredictable route. Josh will be targeting strong performances in the time trials, Castro will be invaluable in the high mountains and riders like Kim, Lucas, Brandon and Ben Turner will be crucial in the key transitional stages.
“We’ve been racing this season with a bit more freedom, creativity and adaptability and this Giro squad and the staff supporting them will be carrying that momentum into the race.”
INEOS Grenadiers Giro d’Italia 2025:
- Egan Bernal (Colombia)
- Thymen Arensman (Netherlands)
- Jonathan Castroviejo (Spain)
- Lucas Hamilton (Australia)
- Kim Heiduk (Germany)
- Brandon Rivera (Colombia)
- Josh Tarling (Great Britain)
- Ben Turner (Great Britain)