Five riders to watch beyond the usual suspects at the Volta a Catalunya

Simone Gualdi is a young Italian climber who brings more than just climbing. He has a punchy finish and even a solid sprint for a rider with his profile.

In his first pro season with Lotto-Intermarché, he’s developing quickly. A 17th place at Faun Ardèche, 16th at Faun Drome and 8th at Trofeo Laigueglia, all tough races, show that he already belongs at this level.

It will be interesting to see how he develops from here. Right now, he looks like a rider who can do almost everything. That kind of profile fits this Volta a Catalunya well, with no pure sprint stages but a mix of punchy finishes and hard mountain days.

Brady Gilmore is another interesting neo pro, riding his first season with NSN Cycling Team. The Australian is a former motocross rider, which clearly shows in his handling and positioning in the peloton. He’s not someone you want to fight for position with.

But he’s not just a sprinter. Gilmore already has a big engine and can handle tougher terrain, something that will be needed in this race.

He already got a taste of WorldTour racing at the Tour Down Under, where he finished fourth twice. Catalunya is another step up, but he looks like a rider who can handle it.

Francesco Busatto is a promising Italian puncheur with a fast finish. Now riding for Alpecin Premier Tech, this is his first season with the team, but already his third year at WorldTour level after two seasons with Intermarché-Wanty.

In those years, he showed plenty of potential, even if consistency was sometimes missing, which is normal for a young rider. Last year he rode his first Grand Tour at the Giro d’Italia, which should help him this season.

This could be the year where he takes that next step.

Henok Mulubrhan is an interesting rider with a different background. Coming from outside the traditional European pathway, his route to the pro peloton hasn’t been straightforward, but he’s made it work.

Now riding for XDS Astana after starting at Bardiani, he’s a strong puncheur with a good sprint and the ability to survive tough climbs.

So far, most of his best results have come in smaller races. The question now is whether he can show himself at this level. The profile of this race should suit him well.

Filippo Baroncini lines up in the peloton again this week, less than eight months after a heavy crash in the Tour of Poland left him in an induced coma.

His return is the story here. Results do not matter. There is no need to judge his level or place expectations on his shoulders. Just being back in the race is already significant.

The coming races will help him rebuild his condition and find his rhythm again. That will take time, and there is no reason to rush it. For now, it is simply good to see Baroncini back where he belongs.