The Young rider classification in the Giro d'Italia was added to the Giro d'Italia in 1976 for the younger riders in the race. The classification is calculated in the same way as the general classification, with the riders times being totaled together after each stage; however, the classification is restricted to those no older than 25 years during the calendar year of the race. Between 1976 and 1994 the classification had different qualifications. The leader of the classification is awarded a white jersey.

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy, while also starting in, or passing through, other countries. The first race was organized in 1909 to increase sales of the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, and the race is still run by a subsidiary of that paper's owner. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1909, except during the two world wars. As the Giro gained prominence and popularity the race was lengthened, and the peloton expanded from primarily Italian participation to riders from all over the world. The Giro is a UCI World Tour event, which means that the teams that compete in the race are mostly UCI WorldTeams, with some additional teams invited as 'wild cards'.