Filippo Ganna clinches seventh Italian time‑trial title
Filippo Ganna clinches seventh Italian time‑trial title-a record‑breaking performance on 25 June 2026, as he roared through the 40 km Vicoforte‑to‑Barolo course in 47 minutes 39 seconds, extending his dominance in the discipline. He finished 2 minutes 06 seconds ahead of Luca Giaimi, marking his fifth straight national win and cementing his place as Italy’s most successful time‑trialist.
On Thursday, the 29‑year‑old Netcompany Ineos rider tackled the rolling hills of Piedmont, launching from Vicoforte at 10 a.m. and maintaining an average speed just shy of 50 km/h. His power output kept him clear of the chase group, and he crossed the finish line in Barolo well before the next competitor could mount a response.
Second‑place finisher Luca Giaimi clocked 2 minutes 06 seconds slower, while Mattia Cattaneo arrived third, 2 minutes 36 seconds back. Young talent Lorenzo Finn, fresh from a U23 Giro victory, placed sixth with a time of 3 minutes 23 seconds, showing the depth of Italian time‑trial specialists. A crash involving Edoardo Affini forced an ambulance ride, though scans later confirmed no fractures.
Earlier in the year Ganna proved his versatility, snapping up a surprise victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen in April by outsprinting Wout van Aert in the final hundred metres. He then dominated individual time‑trials at the Giro d’Italia, Tirreno‑Adriatico and the Volta ao Algarve, each effort reinforcing his reputation as the sport’s premier chronometer.
By securing his seventh elite national title, Ganna eclipsed Marco Pinotti’s six‑win record, becoming the most successful rider in the championship’s history. The achievement also marked his fifth consecutive triumph, a streak that began in 2022 and has never been broken by a rival. Such consistency fuels expectations for his performance on the world stage.
The Tour de France kicks off on 4 July 2026 in Barcelona, opening with a team time‑trial where Ganna’s power will be central for Ineos Grenadiers. His ability to sustain high wattage over long distances makes him a linchpin in the squad’s strategy, especially as rivals such as Jonas Vingegaard aim to dethrone Tadej Pogačar.
Between now and the Grand Départ, Ganna will likely focus on fine‑tuning his aerodynamic kit and sharpening his pacing on flat courses. If he carries the form shown in June, a podium finish at the Tour’s final time‑trial could be within reach, adding another chapter to his already impressive palmarès.
Ganna’s seventh crown reinforces Italy’s reputation for producing world‑class time‑trialists, a lineage that includes legends like Marco Pantani’s teammate and recent star Filippo Zana. Young riders such as Lorenzo Finn, who finished sixth, now have a tangible benchmark to chase, suggesting a bright future for Italian chronometers.
Affini’s tumble forced an ambulance evacuation, yet medical checks confirmed no broken bones. Visma‑Lease a Bike released a statement emphasizing the rider’s quick recovery, but the incident highlighted the fine line between high‑speed training and safety, reminding teams to prioritize rider welfare ahead of the Tour.