The CRO Race is a hilly general classification stage race finishing on a hill-top or punchy summit finish, rewarding riders who combine solid hills ability with consistent climbing over several days. The 2.Pro classification brings together a competitive mix of WorldTour squads and ambitious Pro teams, making for an open contest on terrain that rewards punchy all-rounders over pure climbers or sprinters. With no stages yet completed, pre-race form in similar-profile races is the most reliable guide available.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Paul Magnier stands alone at the top of this preview. Four wins in similar-profile races — stage 2 and stage 1 of the Tour de Slovaquie, stage 5 of the Deutschland Tour, and stage 1 of the Cyclassics Hamburg — give him a record of sustained excellence on this type of terrain that no other rider in the field can match. His sprint punch on reduced groups is a decisive weapon on hilly finishes, and he arrives as the heavy favorite.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Paul Magnier is the standout favorite on recent form, having won stage 2 and stage 1 of the Tour de Slovaquie, stage 5 of the Deutschland Tour, and stage 1 of the Cyclassics Hamburg — four victories in similar-profile races over the past 90 days, the most prolific record in this field by a wide margin. His hills profile suits this hilly finish perfectly, and his sprint punch on reduced bunch finishes makes him dangerous however the race plays out.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Benoît Cosnefroy and Andrea Bagioli both arrive with recent wins on similar terrain — Cosnefroy in stage 1 of the Coppa Sabatini and Bagioli in stage 4 of the Tour of Austria — and both have built up multiple top-5s in the past 90 days. Either could realistically challenge Magnier if the race comes down to a punchy finale, and both have the team infrastructure to animate the race in their favor.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Andrea Bagioli took victory in stage 4 of the Tour of Austria among recent similar-profile outings, adding a top-5 and three top-10s to reinforce his pedigree on hilly terrain. Listed as a confirmed CRO Race starter, Bagioli's all-around hills ability makes him a genuine podium contender.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Benoît Cosnefroy arrives in fine form, having won stage 1 of the Coppa Sabatini recently and accumulating two top-3s and four top-5s in similar-profile races — one of the strongest records here alongside Magnier. He is among the best hills specialists in this field and represents UAE Emirates' most credible GC threat.
★★
Dark Horses
Ilan Van Wilder, Daniel Felipe Martínez, and Antonio Tiberi represent the dark horse tier — each possesses a profile that fits this GC format exceptionally well, combining hills ability with climbing and, in Van Wilder's case, time trial strength. None of them have a recent similar-profile win to point to, but their track records at the highest level and confirmed participation in this race make them genuine threats to disrupt the favorites across multiple stages.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Antonio Tiberi boasts the highest climbing rating among the confirmed starters here and collected three top-10s in similar-profile races recently — the consistency is there even without a win. His combination of climbing and time trial ability makes him a threat over a hilly GC and he heads into this race as one of Bahrain Victorious's key cards.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Daniel Felipe Martínez is a proven GC performer on hilly terrain with strong climbing to back up his hills rating, making him well-suited to a race of this profile. Confirmed for the CRO Race, his experience in stage racing at the highest level keeps him firmly in the dark horse conversation.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Ilan Van Wilder is one of the most complete riders in this field, with exceptional hills and time trial capabilities that suit a multi-day hilly GC race. Confirmed as a CRO Race starter, he hasn't dominated the similar-profile stats recently but his well-rounded profile gives him the tools to build an overall advantage across stages.
★
Ones to Watch
Alessandro Fancellu, Riley Sheehan, Tim Wellens, and Steff Cras round out the selection as riders to watch. Fancellu and Sheehan both boast recent wins in similar-profile races and could spring a surprise, while Wellens brings experience and consistent top-10 form. Cras, confirmed for the CRO Race, is best placed as a team foil but has the engine to contend if given freedom.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Alessandro Fancellu won stage 1 of the Giro d'Abruzzo recently and has two top-3s and four top-5s in similar-profile races — impressive numbers for a rider from a smaller team. He merits a watch as an outsider capable of surprising the bigger names on the right day.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Riley Sheehan won stage 1 of the Czech Tour in recent similar-profile racing and has shown he can compete on hilly terrain with a top-3 finish to his name. His punchy profile and recent confidence make him a rider to track.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Steff Cras is a confirmed CRO Race starter with strong hills and climbing credentials that suit a hilly GC format, and he can play both a leadership and support role for Soudal Quick-Step. While his recent similar-profile results haven't featured podiums, his profile fits the race and he could emerge if Van Wilder falters.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Tim Wellens is a seasoned hills specialist whose one top-3 and three top-10s in similar-profile races confirm he remains competitive, even if a win has eluded him recently. His experience and UAE Emirates support structure keep him relevant in a race of this type.
Verdict
Paul Magnier is the clear favorite on the back of four wins in similar-profile racing over the past 90 days, with Benoît Cosnefroy and Andrea Bagioli — both recent winners on hilly terrain — his most dangerous challengers for the overall title.