Tiberi sets sights on Tour of the Alps glory: "I'm racing to win"
After placing third overall and claiming the Best Young Rider jersey in 2024, Bahrain-Victorious leader Antonio Tiberi returns to the Tour of the Alps aiming for the Melinda Green Jersey. From April 21–25, the 23-year-old Italian will look to follow in the footsteps of Vincenzo Nibali, who won the Giro del Trentino in 2013 before going on to conquer the Giro d’Italia
Twelve years ago, Vincenzo Nibali laid the foundation for his breakthrough by winning the Giro del Trentino — a triumph that led out to his victory at the Giro d’Italia just weeks later. That unforgettable 2013 edition began in Lienz, now the finishing location of the 2025 Tour of the Alps.
A sign of destiny? Perhaps — at least in the eyes of Antonio Tiberi. The Italian rider has long been tipped as the heir to the “Shark,” and is now seen as the Azzurri’s brightest hope in Grand Tours since Nibali’s retirement.
Bahrain-Victorious has placed its trust in Tiberi, building stage-race squads around him — a strategy that paid off in 2024, with a third-place finish at the Tour of the Alps and fourth at the Giro d’Italia. In both races, he also claimed the Best Young Rider classification.
“I’ll be back at the Tour of the Alps — the race that gave me confidence and belief in 2024. This year, I feel stronger and more prepared: I’m here to win,” Tiberi stated.
The 23-year-old has approached the 2025 season with even higher ambitions. His recent third place at the Tirreno-Adriatico further boosted his confidence as a Grand Tour contender. He’s already carefully studied the Tour of the Alps parcours. “The fourth stage suits me best — it’s the queen stage, the key day. I’ve already marked it red on my calendar. That’s when I’ll go all in, just like I did last year in Valsugana, when I came very close,” he added.
Tiberi shares more than just traits with Nibali — he’s also adopted a similar approach to preparing for major races. Like the Sicilian did throughout his career, Tiberi sees the Tour of the Alps as a key step before the Giro d’Italia. He’ll line up in San Lorenzo Dorsino after a high-altitude training camp on Mount Teide, and once the #TotA concludes, he’ll return to altitude to finalize his preparation for the Corsa Rosa.
“Ever since I turned professional, I’ve been linked to Nibali as his possible heir. It’s an honour — but also a motivation to reach his level and carry on his legacy through results,” said Tiberi. “We have similar characteristics, and that’s why I treat the Tour of the Alps as a vital race ahead of the Giro d’Italia. Its routes and timing are just perfect.”
It’s been twelve years since an Italian rider last claimed overall victory on the roads of the Euregio. The wait has been long, and the expectations are growing. Antonio Tiberi now has a golden opportunity to make the leap — from rising star to champion. From the Melinda Green Jersey to the Maglia Rosa, the road is set. Now it’s up to him to take it.
