SD Worx-Protime have announced their team for the 2025 Giro d’Italia Women, which begins on Sunday 6 July in Bergamo. Lotte Kopecky is part of the seven-rider squad, although the world champion is not looking to target the general classification this time around.
Kopecky returns from an altitude camp in Livigno and will first line up at the Belgian national time trial and road championships before heading to Italy. After some disruption to her season earlier this year with a knee injury and a difficult Tour of Burgos due to mechanical problems, she will look to build her racing rhythm over the mountainous 10-day Italian tour as part of her broader preparation for the Tour de France Femmes later this summer.
Anna van der Breggen leads SD Worx-Protime as their protected rider for the overall standings. Following a strong spring, including a stage win and third overall at the Vuelta a España Femenina, the Dutch rider will aim to fight for a high GC placing. Danny Stam, SD Worx-Protime’s sports manager, acknowledged that the Giro is also a stepping stone toward their bigger summer goals. “Anna has the confidence from Spain,” he said. “The climbs suit her well here. Our priority is to support her in the fight for the general classification, while still keeping one eye on the Tour de France Femmes.”
Lorena Wiebes will offer the team serious sprinting firepower. The European champion is having another fine season and will aim to contest the flatter stages that end in a sprint. Stam added: “If there are sprint opportunities, Lorena will be there. On days where the climbing takes its toll, she’ll fight hard to stay in contention and can win any stage that finishes with a bunch sprint.”
Italian riders Elena Cecchini and Barbara Guarischi add experience and tactical nous, playing key roles both in setting up Wiebes and providing road captain expertise. Cecchini will also have the freedom to go on the attack when the race profile allows. Meanwhile, Steffi Häberlin and Mikayla Harvey come in with freer roles. Stam hopes they will use the Giro as a chance to gain experience and look for opportunities in breakaways.
The Giro d’Italia Women opens with a 13.6 km time trial in Bergamo, making for a short but intense start to the race. From there, SD Worx-Protime will take each stage as it comes, balancing ambitions for sprint victories, breakaway forays and van der Breggen’s fight for a top GC finish. The team’s plan is clear: make their presence felt across all terrains while using the Giro to hone their form for the major goals later in the summer.
