Lesser known races 2025 edition

[Cycling111]

Is Del Toro UAE's new Hirschi?

Hirschi didn't win a single GT stage (in UAE) and he obviously didn't finish second in the Giro.

 

[AlfaLum]

Carapaz was outclimbed by Double and Storer, just to be clear.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Carapaz is descending great!

 

[SafeBet]

Can we move Finestre to Tuscany and have a rematch here?

 

[Earns1985]

Carapaz against del Toro..
Was there something in may?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Love the roads, great descent.

 

[Cycling111]

Del Toro is incredible. For me, he is the third favorite for Rwanda.

He still needs to improve on downhills and on the flat.
In a classic a couple of months ago, he lost half his time on the flat. A high-level group, and there is a higher level at the WC, can catch him on the flat if he goes alone.

He's dangerous rival if he arrives in the group because he's fast, but he's someone who can be eliminated.

 

[Cycling111]

Carapaz was outclimbed by Double and Storer, just to be clear.

Carapaz was considerably worse in the previous race than he was today.

For me, he's a better candidate for the world championship podium than Del Toro. Carapaz is improving, and in such a long and tough race, he's a very dangerous rival.
I wouldn't be surprised if he's stronger than Del Toro in the world championships either.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

VAMOS RICHIE

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Carapaz was considerably worse in the previous race than he was today.

For me, he's a better candidate for the world championship podium than Del Toro. Carapaz is improving, and in such a long and tough race, he's a very dangerous rival.
I wouldn't be surprised if he's stronger than Del Toro in the world championships either.

yep, it would be a mistake to underestimate Carapaz if he targets a race.

 

[Earns1985]

Imagine, what will happen if Carapaz would catch del Toro now..

 

[Red Rick]

This is where cycling needs aerial drones. Motor behind or in front is too much advantage, and close to the side is a big disadvantage.

 

[Tim Cahill]

Gap is 21 seconds, not 14

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Carapaz is done and the chase group behind is not making progress.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Race is over.

 

[Cycling111]

yep, it would be a mistake to underestimate Carapaz if he targets a race.

For me, Carapaz is more dangerous for the WC than Del Toro; WC route is very hard.

We saw what happened to Del Toro in San Sebastian and in the hardest stages of the Giro. He's strong, but not as strong as he is in shorter races. On the other hand, riders like Carapaz are better with tougher races and have more experience.

Aside from that, Carapaz is improving. He'll get stronger every day.

I think the same thing will happen to him as to Hirschi, at a different level. He's going to arrive very confident. and WC will be very hard for Del Toro. I have that feeling.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Imagine if Carapaz had caught Del Toro on the descent… I doubt Carapaz would have pulled much

 

[Earns1985]

Imagine if Carapaz had caught Del Toro on the descent… I doubt Carapaz would have pulled much

That would have ended perhaps really funny...

 

[AlfaLum]

Carapaz was considerably worse in the previous race than he was today.

For me, he's a better candidate for the world championship podium than Del Toro. Carapaz is improving, and in such a long and tough race, he's a very dangerous rival.
I wouldn't be surprised if he's stronger than Del Toro in the world championships either.

Well I agree that until now Del Toro has not shown he is capable of handling the distance.

And given his age and experience he is certainly at a disadvantage in the WT RR.

Nonetheless Del Toro is outstanding at the moment.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Even the spectators looked bored when Del Toro crossed the line...
Anyway jet another win for UAE. Ain't that great.

 

[Rob5091]

Well, it was UAE again, chapeau Del Toro. Storer 2nd place for the 2nd time in a row.
Del Toro is turning into this year's Hirschi.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Mythical scaroni top-10. 15 top-10s out of 23 races this year.

 

[Samamba]

He dropped good climbers in a tough mountain. He is better than Hirschi

There's no way you UAE fans thought this was a serious comparison and not just alluding to the fact that UAE is using him to demolish smaller races since July.

 

[AlfaLum]

Note that this isn't a criticism of Del Toro. It's a matter of experience.

And it was more to praise Carapaz and point out that he's clearly on the rise in shape.
The other day he had a mediocre race; today he was second best. In the next one, he might be closer to Del Toro. And at the World Championships, he'll be at his best.

Also because Carapaz is used to racing against riders like Pogacar or Remco in those races.
Del Toro is very good, but we have to see how he goes against those rivals. Ciccone has already been a challenge. There's a big difference between a Giro and a Tour for that reason. Because of the level of the competitors.

I'm not saying that if Del Toro makes the podium or wins WC, it will be a surprise. But I´d tone down the euphoria with him and consider Carapaz's experience to be very important in a chaotic race like WC

I agree, i also dont consider Del Toro a very likely podium candidate for the WT this year.

He might become third but at the moment I think he needs about 2 extra seasons to also become of a favorite for this type of races.

 

[Rob5091]

Well, if you liked the Del Toro versus Carapaz race today (Wednesday), you can see it again on Thursday the 11th at the ...
73 rd Coppa Sabatini. 197.6 km from Peccioli and back again, 1.Pro so little more UCI points.
Start at 11.30 CET , TV from 15.10 CET - available on the Youtube in Italian at

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5deez_rfSfc


startlist at https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/gp-citta-di-peccioli/2025/startlist (not up to date yet)