The Giro d'Italia was first organised in 1909 and has since become one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the cycling calendar. The race typically lasts for three weeks and covers various terrains, including flat stages, mountain stages, individual time trials and this year even gravel. The 2024 route doesn't disappoint and will see 42,900 metres of altitude gain over 3,321km of terrain.

Typically, the Giro isn't as predictable as its French counterpart, the Tour de France; Giro winners have always been a touch more erratic with barely any back-to-back winners. Anyway, here are our top picks for this year's Giro d'Italia:

1. Tadej Pogačar

This year sees the Slovenian Tadej Pogačar tackle the Giro for the first time and it's safe to say that he's the firm favourite. Some say he's already won. However as we know anything can happen in bike racing – especially over three weeks in a grand tour. Bar acts of God, he's our top pick.

2. Geraint Thomas

Can G make amends after last year's loss? The Welshman raced flawlessly throughout the Giro coming into the last stage with 26 seconds on his closest rival Primož Roglič. However in the final ITT he was beaten by a margin of 40 seconds, resulting in him loosing the Maglia Rosa by 14 seconds going into Rome.

3. Simon Yates

On a good day Simon Yates can take on anyone in the Pro peleton. However, the Englishman's performance can be far from consistent. With a strong team in Jayco AlUla, Simon could easily podium – if not (on a seriously good day) win the overall standings.

 Nairo Quintana

Never count out the climbing sensation that is Nairoman! The Columbian has an impressive Palmarès including the 2014 Giro d'Italia. However Quintana's form is yet to be known as he's coming back after a massive 18 months hiatus from the pro peleton in the wake of his positive tests for Tramadol.