.
.
.
#GirodItalia #NorthAmericansInGiro #DerekGee #BrandonMcNulty #IsaacDelToro #CyclingNews #GrandTour #Giro2025 #ProjectGCGee #CyclingHeroes #PodiumDreams #CyclingConsistency #CyclingBreakthrough #RacingRome #CyclingMilestones
Source link
The 2025 Giro d’Italia marked a significant milestone for North American cyclists, with three riders securing top-10 finishes and showcasing their potential in the grueling three-week race. Canadian Derek Gee and Americans Brandon McNulty and Isaac del Toro emerged as standout performers, capping off a transformative season for North American cycling.
Derek Gee: Canada’s Rising GC Star
Derek Gee, riding for Israel-Premier Tech, solidified his status as Canada’s brightest grand tour hope with a career-best fourth-place finish in Rome. This result not only marked Gee’s personal breakthrough but also represented the best grand tour performance in the history of his team. At 26, Gee demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience throughout the race, overcoming early setbacks, including a puncture on Stage 9’s gravel section and time lost in the chaotic opening stage in Albania.
Gee’s transformation from a breakaway specialist to a genuine General Classification (GC) contender is the result of a deliberate strategy by his team. After his breakout performance in the 2023 Giro, where he secured four second-place finishes, Israel-Premier Tech initiated “Project GC Gee” to develop his GC potential. The 2025 Giro served as his first major test, and Gee delivered, finishing just outside the podium behind Simon Yates, Del Toro, and Richard Carapaz.
Reflecting on his achievement, Gee expressed satisfaction with his fourth-place finish, acknowledging that he had the “fourth-best legs” in the race. He emphasized his hunger for further improvement, noting that the GC project is still in its early stages. With a potential tilt at the Vuelta a España later in the season, Gee is poised to continue his ascent in the grand tour hierarchy, aiming to become the first Canadian since Ryder Hesjedal (2012 Giro winner) to secure a podium finish.
Brandon McNulty: Steady Hand for UAE Emirates
Brandon McNulty, riding for UAE Emirates-XRG, quietly achieved his best grand tour result with a ninth-place finish, surpassing his previous best of 15th in the 2020 Giro. Known for his reliability and consistency, McNulty played a crucial role in supporting his team’s GC ambitions while also riding strongly in his own right. His performance was particularly impressive given a nasty crash on the gravel stage in Siena, which left him with visible injuries but did not deter his grit and determination.
McNulty’s steady climbing and time-trialing abilities make him a valuable asset for UAE Emirates, though his opportunities for GC leadership remain limited given the team’s star-studded roster. Despite this, his ninth-place finish at the Giro reaffirms his potential as a future podium contender if given the chance to lead in a grand tour. McNulty’s performance also highlights his role as a key figure in a resurgent generation of American cyclists, alongside riders like Matteo Jorgenson, Sepp Kuss, and Magnus Sheffield.
Isaac del Toro: Breakout Star
Isaac del Toro, also riding for UAE Emirates-XRG, was the revelation of the race, finishing second overall and securing the best young rider’s jersey in his Giro debut. The 21-year-old Mexican rider showcased his immense talent by winning a stage and spending 11 days in the pink jersey. His performance was a testament to his climbing prowess and tactical acumen, establishing him as one of the most exciting young talents in professional cycling.
Del Toro’s emergence is a significant moment for Mexican cycling, as he becomes the first rider from his country to contend for a grand tour podium. His success also highlights UAE Emirates’ ability to nurture young talent and integrate them into their ambitious GC strategy alongside established stars like Tadej Pogačar.
Other North American Performances
The 2025 Giro also saw strong performances from other North American riders, all of whom successfully completed the race:
- Larry Warbasse (Tudor Pro Cycling): The American rider made his mark by joining the winning breakaway in Stage 18 and finishing 10th.
- Luke Lamperti (Soudal Quick-Step): The young Californian sprinter enjoyed a breakthrough grand tour, earning a fifth-place finish in the final stage in Rome and contributing to his team’s sprint efforts.
- Hugo Houle (Israel Premier Tech): The Canadian played a vital supporting role for Derek Gee, riding into breakaways on Stages 15 and 17 to aid his teammate’s GC ambitions.
- Nick Zukowsky (Q36.5 Pro Cycling): Unfortunately, Zukowsky’s grand tour debut was cut short due to a broken clavicle in the first week.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Giro showcased the depth and potential of North American cycling, with Gee, McNulty, and Del Toro leading the charge. Gee’s fourth-place finish validates his evolution from a breakaway specialist to a legitimate GC contender, while McNulty’s ninth-place result underscores his consistency and resilience. Del Toro’s breakout performance marks the arrival of a new star in the peloton, with the potential to achieve even greater success in the coming years.
As North American riders continue to make their mark on the grand tour stage, the cycling world will be watching closely. With riders like Gee aiming for future podiums and Del Toro heralding a new generation of talent, the future of North American cycling looks brighter than ever.
