The Belgian rider is the first first-year competitor to win The Race of The Future Champions. On the podium: Anatol Friedl and Giacomo Rosato. Final stage goes to Johan Blanc
After seven years, Belgium is back on top of the Giro della Lunigiana thanks to Seff Van Kerckhove, who, in his very first year in the junior category, managed to defend his overall lead in the final stage from La Spezia to Terre di Luni against the repeated attacks of his closest rivals.
It was Anatol Friedl who proved to be the most aggressive challenger to the Green Jersey, attacking both on the climb to Ortonovo and on the subsequent descent, but Van Kerckhove was always able to respond.
The decisive move of the day came on the final descent, when French rider Johan Blanc broke away solo to claim stage victory, crossing the line 9” ahead of Belgian Edouard Claisse and 18” ahead of teammate Soen Le Pann.
The Maglia Verde group – without Norwegian Kristian Haugetun, who had been forced out of contention by an early crash – crossed the finish line 20” behind, led by Friedl. This result allowed Giacomo Rosato to climb to third place in the general classification and secure a spot on the final podium in Terre di Luni.
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GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 – Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium)
2 – Anatol Friedl (Austria) at 5″
3 – Giacomo Rosato (Veneto) at 26″
4 – Marek Stiblik (Czech Rep.) at 29″
5 – Jan Jackowiak (Poland) s.t.
STAGE RESULTS
1 – Johan Blanc (France), 100.7 km in 2h28’12” average speed 40.766 km/h
2 – Edouard Claisse (Belgium) at 9″
3 – Soen Le Pann (France) at 18″
4 – Anatol Friedl (Austria) at 20″
5 – Jan Jackowiak (Poland) s.t.
THE OFFICIAL JERSEYS OF THE 49TH GIRO DELLA LUNIGIANA
The leader jerseys of the Giro della Lunigiana are designed and produced by Alka
- Maglia Verde, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by Spigas – Terre di Luni – Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium)
- Maglia Blu, leader of the Points Classification, sponsored by Liguria 2025 Regione Europea dello Sport – Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium)
- Maglia a Pois, leader of the KOM Classification, sponsored by Conad – Kristian Haugetun (Norway)
- Maglia Bianca, leader of the Young Riders Classification, sponsored by G.I.A.D.A. Progetti Arredi Personalizzati – Seff Van Kerckhove (Belgium)
- Maglia Arancione, leaderof the Intermediate Sprints, Regione Liguria – Memorial Massimo Vanello – Mathias De Keersmaeker (Belgium)
- Maglia Celeste, leader of the Italian Riders Classification, sponsored by A.L.A. Area Ligure Apuana – Giacomo Rosato (Veneto)
QUOTES
Seff Van Kerckhove: “It’s an incredible joy. Winning in my very first year in this category is perhaps unexpected, but I believe I deserved it—and so did my teammates, who gave everything throughout these days. I managed to withstand the attacks of my rivals, and when I saw the flamme rouge I told myself I had done it. I dedicate this success to my national team and to my club, Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale”.
Anatol Friedl: “Second place is both sweet and bitter. I came so close to this victory, but in the finale I just didn’t have the legs to get past Van Kerckhove. Now my focus shifts to the next goals, the MTB World Championships and the European Road Championships”.
Giacomo Rosato: “I’m really happy to step onto the overall podium, especially after overcoming some difficult moments. On the climbs I preferred not to follow the first attacks, but to ride at my own pace. Compared to last year I’ve grown a lot, and this podium proves it”.
Johan Blanc: “Yesterday I was over the moon, and today, if possible, even more so. Two stage wins in two days—a perfect weekend. I think I’ve shown that I can perform on all types of terrain, and after this Giro I gain even greater confidence in my abilities”.
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