Liv AlUla Jayco will roll into the Giro d’Italia Women starting on Sunday 6th July, with their eyes set on both the general classification and stage success with Monica Trinca Colonel and Silke Smulders leading the charge.
No doubt, it will be the ‘usual’ tough and selective Giro, however the squad is ready and will be at the start of the 14.2km time trial around Bergamo with a line-up determined to seize every opportunity, be it a stage victory or the battle for the general classification.
Young GC hopes
Young Dutch all-rounder Smulders, together with the raw and talented Italian Trinca Colonel, will lead the team’s general classification ambitions during the demanding eight stages.
Smulders was already a key protagonist in last year’s edition of the race, with the 24-year-old keen to build on her experience. Despite still being relatively new to the sport, Trinca Colonel has already obtained several important results this year, including a top-10 overall at La Vuelta Femenina. The 26-year-old lines up for her home tour fresh from a runner-up finish at the Italian road race championships.
Monica Trinca Colonel:
“I’m ready for my second Giro d’Italia! Compared to last year, I’m more aware and my second place at the Italian Championships last weekend has given me more confidence in my possibilities and the results I can achieve.
As always, I expect a tough and hard-fought Giro, and the help of my teammates will be fundamental. I’ll be at the start in Bergamo knowing that I’ve put 100% effort into preparing. I’m very curious to find out how far I can go!”
Aggressive racing
With unpredictable and aggressive racing expected, Liv AlUla Jayco will be aiming to be in and amongst the action with the likes of Dutch rider Quinty Ton and Swede Caroline Andersson looking to take any opportunities that present themselves.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games champion Georgia Baker will have the task of mixing it with the fast finishers on the stages that end in a bunch sprint.
Strong support
Two more Australians in national criterium champion Amber Pate and Giro debutant Josie Talbot will have important roles to play throughout the race, that of helping and protecting the team’s two leaders for the general classification.
This year’s race (920km total) has a demanding course, with fewer ‘intermediate’ stages than we have seen in past editions. In particular, the last three days will be difficult and potentially all GC stages, with the testing summit finish of Monte Nerone coming on the penultimate day of racing.
Gene Bates (Sport Director):
“We are expecting, like we have already seen this season, an aggressive and at times unpredictable style of racing. The 2025 course is suited to riders who want to create a tough race.
Our team goals are to support both Silke and Monica in the harder stages and the overall GC. Both have had great results already this year and this will be another great step in their development in a harder and longer tour.
Outside of this, the team will be stage hunting when and where opportunities present themselves. The team has prepared well, and we are excited to get the race started!”
Liv AlUla Jayco line-up at the 2025 Giro d’Italia Women
Caroline Andersson (SWE) Debut appearance
Georgia Baker (AUS) 3rd appearance
Amber Pate (AUS) 2nd appearance
Silke Smulders (NED) 3rd appearance
Josie Talbot (AUS) Debut appearance
Quinty Ton (NED) 3rd appearance
Monica Trinca Colonel (ITA) 2nd appearance
Photos: Sprint Cycling
