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ROME - Last Sunday, in the crowded streets of the Eternal City, the 106th edition of the Tour of Italy, a gruelling multi-stage cycling race, ended. The participants had covered a total distance of 3.489,2 km. During the three weeks, they competed in 21 stages including two traditional time trials, three mountain stages in the Dolomites and one atypical time trial in the Alps.
The event’s organisation had a taste for innovation and experiment. This year, the Giro would feature a brutal uphill time trial. Yet, there were worries that this time trial would be a logistical nightmare and the organisation doubted between modifying the stage or cancelling it altogether.
The organization clearly had in mind an ideal scenario in which, after two time trials in the first week, Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, who is an outstanding time trial specialist, would lead the general classification with a large margin. In the mountains, his competitors would then have several opportunities to take time back. Finally, on the one-but-last day, an unusual time trial would be decisive.
Among the challengers were British cyclists Tao Geoghegan Hart and Geraint Thomas, Russian climber Alexander Vlasov and Portuguese João Almeida who at 24 already finished 3rd and 6th in a Giro. But all experts agreed: Evenepoel’s main contender would be Slovene Primož Roglič.
The tour, however, did not follow the ideal scenario. Already in the first week, several rides abandoned the tour after testing positive for COVID-19. Contrary to the last two editions, the organization this year did not impose a protocol. Among the participants who abandoned the race because of COVID-19 were two contenders: Vlasov and Evenepoel. The Giro organisation was utmost unpleased since Evenepoel was this Giro’s main attraction.
Then the second week was plagued with bad weather and, consecutively, multiple crashes. Both Hart and Roglič crashed. Whereas Hart needed surgery, Roglič continued the race. One mountain stage even had to be shortened after protest from the cyclists’ syndicate. Giro organizer Mauro Vegni said his primary concern was bringing the race to Rome. Over 50 of the original 176 riders would not finish the race.
The Giro seemed to have been decapitated. None of the three remaining overall contenders -Thomas, Almeida and Roglič- dared to launch an attack. They were saving their energy. Experts blamed the Giro design: three heavy stages followed by the ultimate time trial scheduled at the end of the last week were paralyzing the race.
Saturday afternoon, the riders would finally settle the highly anticipated time trial. The organisation imposed specific rules. E.g. riders were not allowed to use a time trial bike on the climb: they either had to switch bikes in a designated area at the foot of the climb or use a normal bike throughout the entire stage. Mechanics would follow their riders sitting on a motorcycle, with a spare bike fastened on their back.
Alberto Contador, one of the best grand tour riders in history, explored the track. According to him, the stage was “probably the hardest time trial of any Grand Tour ever.”
The teams had to make several technical decisions, particularly regarding the gearing that would best suit the brutally steep Monte Lussari. Several teams opted for gearing typical of mountain bikes.
The first riders started at full speed on the traditional, flat part. However, on the climb, they then lost significant time. The main battle, of course, would be between Primož Roglič and Geraint Thomas. Roglič would be the penultimate rider to ride this time trial; Thomas, the last.
Primož Roglič was facing several challenges. Because Thomas, had a lead of 26 seconds in the general classification, Roglič would have to ride the stage more than 26 seconds faster than Thomas in order to win the Giro -not an easy task given that Thomas is a great time trialist.
Since Roglič crashed badly last year, it seemed that his time trial skills were no longer what they used to be. But most of all, Roglič once lost a Tour de France because of an uphill time trial which was scheduled on the penultimate day. The "La Planche des Belles Filles" stage would turn out to be a dramatic experience that has haunted him ever since.
Once both contenders had started, the stage became the "grand finale" the Giro organisation had hoped for. A true roller coaster!
At the first measurement point, located at the junction of the flat part and the climb, Roglič clocked a new record time. When Thomas later crossed this point, he had lost two seconds to Roglič. Yet, as the earlier riders had shown, it was the climb that would be decisive.
On the climb, a crowd of Slovenian spectators cheered. Roglič pedalled his small gear smoothly. His rhythm was like a clockwork. Thomas, who had opted for a larger gear, seemed to be struggling. He soon fell behind by eight seconds to Roglič. At the second measurement point, Thomas was already trailing by 16 seconds. With still 3,5 km to climb, his lead in the general classification had shrunk from 26 to 10 seconds. Roglič would surely win the stage and most likely the Giro.
But then, "o fortuna!", when riding over a pothole, the chain of Roglič's bike dropped. Roglič had to stop and swap his bike for another one. This manoeuvre would take at least 10 seconds! The mechanical mishap had ruined the climax the organisation had envisioned and it seemed Thomas would win his first Giro. The memories of "La Planche des Belles Filles" came flooding back. Roglič, however, remained composed. He got off his bike, calmly put the chain back on, and jumped back on. In no time, he was pedalling his steady pace once again.
Yet, the manoeuvre had cost him 16 seconds. He could still win the stage, but it seemed difficult to win the Giro.
As the finish line approached, it became clear that Roglič's performance was outstanding. However, he still needed to be careful during the descent preceding the finish. Given his history as a daring former ski jumper, known for experiencing multiple crashes, this added an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Everything went well for Roglič this time! He flawlessly navigated the final stretch, completing the race in an impressive time of 44 minutes and 23 seconds.
As Thomas descended towards the finish, it became evident that the Slovene would not only win the stage but also the Giro. Thomas knew it, and so did the numerous Slovene supporters who cheered and waved the Slovene flag. At the finish line, Thomas lost 40 seconds to Roglič. The latter would take the pink jersey and, on the last day of the Giro, hold a 14-second lead in the general classification.
Sunday, following the tradition, the last stage was a procession through the streets of Rome. On the “Via dei Fori Imperiali,” British veteran Mark Cavendish sprinted to victory. It was Geraint Thomas who did the lead-out. During the tour, Cavendish, 38, had announced his retirement from cycling and Thomas had celebrated his 37th birthday. Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, who will retire next year, won the King of Mountains (KOM) classification. The peloton’s elder riders had dominated this Giro. In an era in which very young cyclists, like Evenepoel, dispute races, even 33 year-old Roglič became considered to be over the hill. Perhaps the elder riders performed better in this hard Giro thanks to their experience?
The 2023 Giro did offer strong duels. More than half of the early breakaways resulted in one of the breakaway riders seizing the stage victory. Though the mountains did not bring the fireworks to the general classification, there was fierce battle for the KOM classification. Also the Points classification was heavily disputed: seven stages concluded with a mass sprint. Last but not least, the Giro for a long time has been an Italian tour whose winners were mainly Italian riders. This year, the top 10 of the general classification features 10 different nationalities.
When people reminisce about this Giro, one image will endure: Primož Roglič composedly fixing his bike's chain on a challenging climb of raw concrete, swiftly remounting and emerging triumphant in a demanding time trial that secured him the crown of the “Giro d'Italia.”
md
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ROME - On May 30, it was announced that Matteo Manfredi, Principal of Gestio Capital, and Andrea Radrizzani, Chairman of Aser Group, had concluded a deal to acquire the Unione Calcio Sampdoria.
"We are, to say the least, thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club. The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is that of all the people who were suffering for these colours,” Radrizzani said.
“My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this deal found a just conclusion. And in particular I must say a big thank you to Matteo (Manfredi) and to the lawyer De Gennaro. Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we turn a page... and I personally can't wait to get to work,” he added.
Matteo Manfredi continued, “We have worked day and night to get to this point... Sampdoria and the people of Sampdoria have already conveyed so much to us in these days. We will have time to fully illustrate our project... Now there are still many details to be sorted out before we can close every formal aspect. But from today we will build something important, something that will last. We are tired, happy, but eager to do the best we can for this club and its people.”
Radrizzani, 48, is an Italian businessman and the majority owner of EFL Championship football club Leeds United. He is also the chairman and founder of the sports broadcasting group Eleven Sports. He recently sold Eleven Sports to DAZN, where he sits on the board of directors.
He bought Leeds in 2017 when the team was playing in the Championship, the English Serie B. Sampdoria is in a similar situation, relegated to the Serie B and in a precarious financial situation.
eb
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ROME - On Tuesday, it was announced that Matteo Manfredi, Principal of Gestio Capital, and Andrea Radrizzani, Chairman of Aser Group, had concluded a deal to acquire the Unione Calcio Sampdoria.
"We are, to say the least, thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club. The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is that of all the people who were suffering for these colours,” Radrizzani said.
“My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this deal found a just conclusion. And in particular I must say a big thank you to Matteo (Manfredi) and to the lawyer De Gennaro. Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we turn a page... and I personally can't wait to get to work,” he added.
Matteo Manfredi continued, “We have worked day and night to get to this point... Sampdoria and the people of Sampdoria have already conveyed so much to us in these days. We will have time to fully illustrate our project... Now there are still many details to be sorted out before we can close every formal aspect. But from today we will build something important, something that will last. We are tired, happy, but eager to do the best we can for this club and its people.”
Radrizzani, 48, is an Italian businessman and the majority owner of EFL Championship football club Leeds United. He is also the chairman and founder of the sports broadcasting group Eleven Sports. He recently sold Eleven Sports to DAZN, where he sits on the board of directors.
He bought Leeds in 2017 when the team was playing in the Championship, the English Serie B. Sampdoria is in a similar situation, relegated to the Serie B and in a precarious financial situation.
eb
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ROME - The Qatar Sports Investments fund, owner of Paris Saint Germain is reported to be in advanced negotiations with Massimo Ferrero for the acquisition of a minority stake in Sampdoria. The revelation was made by the authoritative French sports daily “L'Equipe” and reported by “Il Fatto Quotidiano.” The initiative is the result, explains the newspaper, of QSI's desire to accelerate its participation in the capital or acquisition of other clubs.
The purchase, according to L'Equipe, would take place in partnership with Andrea Radrizzani's Aser Ventures, owner of Leeds United, which would take a majority stake in Sampdoria. There would also be another stake in the Genoa club, but L'Equipe claims that QSI-Aser Ventures are favourites. The Genoa club would not be the only football club in the sights of the fund, which would like to expand its galaxy of “subsidiaries” by the end of the year. Among the interests are Malaga, Santos and a Belgian club.
Radrizzani, 48, is an Italian businessman and the majority owner of EFL Championship football club Leeds United. He is also the chairman and founder of the sports broadcasting group Eleven Sports. He recently sold Eleven Sports to DAZN, where he sits on the board of directors.
He bought Leeds in 2017 when the team was playing in the Championship, the English Serie B. Sampdoria is in a similar situation, relegated to the Serie B and in a precarious financial situation.
eb
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ROME - Slovene rider Primož Roglič secured the overall victory of this year's edition of bicycle race Giro d'Italia after a thrilling time trial on Saturday. British veteran sprinter Marc Cavendish emerged victorious in the final stage of the competition, held on Sunday on the streets of Rome.
Following Saturday's intense time trial, which took place in the Alps, from Tarvisio to Monte Lussari, Roglič held the lead in the general classification, with Geraint Thomas from Britain trailing by 14 seconds in second place and João Almeida from Portugal in third place, 1 minute and 15 seconds behind Roglič. Although only 18.6 km long, this time trial had paralyzed the Giro since day one. Its 7.3 km-long climb was on raw concrete and had gradients up to 22%. The entire Giro had been designed towards this climax.
The event's organisation is known for its taste for innovation and experimentation. Anyone who saw the Giro in 2021 will remember Colombian Egan Bernal appearing from that dark tunnel and rushing past the two breakaway riders up the Campo Felice on a stretch of gravel.
This year, however, the time trial was a logistical nightmare: on the path of the Monte Lussari, cars could not follow their riders nor return to follow their next rider, and several stretches of the path were even too narrow for a cyclist to pass another.
The organisation imposed specific rules. Riders were not allowed to use a time trial bike on the climb. They either had to switch bikes in a designated area at the foot of the climb or use a normal bike throughout the entire stage. Cars would not be allowed on the climb: mechanics, with a bike fastened on their back, would take place on a motorcycle to follow their riders. The riders would be grouped into three tiers, each with about 40 riders. There would be a break of 45 minutes between each tier. In the first two tiers, each rider would start a minute after the other, while in the third tier, each rider would start three minutes after the other.
Apart from deciding whether or not to switch bikes at the foot of the climb, the teams had to make several technical decisions, particularly regarding the gearing that would best suit the brutally steep Monte Lussari. Several teams opted for gearing typical of mountain bikes.
The Tier 1 riders started at full speed on the traditional, flat part. However, on the climb, they then lost significant time. Dutch time trial champion Bauke Mollema was even passed by a rider who had started five minutes later.
The main battle, of course, would be between Primož Roglič and Geraint Thomas. Roglič would be the penultimate rider to ride this time trial, while Thomas would start three minutes later and be the last rider to start.
Although a specialist in this type of time trial and having become Olympic champion on a sloping track, Primož Roglič was facing several challenges. His main competitor, Thomas, had a lead of 26 seconds in the general classification. Therefore, to win this Giro, Roglič would have to ride the stage more than 26 seconds faster than Thomas, not an easy task given that Thomas is also a great time trialist and that throughout this Giro, he had proven to be in great shape.
Since Roglič crashed badly in two races last year, it seemed that his time trial skills were no longer what they used to be: from being an excellent time triallist, he had become a very good one. But most of all, Roglič once lost a Tour de France because of an uphill time trial which was scheduled on the penultimate day. The time trial to "La Planche des Belles Filles" would turn out to be a dramatic experience that has haunted him ever since.
Saturday afternoon, once both contenders had started, the stage became the "grand finale" the Giro organisation had hoped for. A true roller coaster!
At the first measurement point, located at the junction of the flat part and the climb, Roglič clocked a new record time. He crossed the measurement point four seconds faster than Portuguese João Almeida, third in the general classification. When Thomas crossed this point, he had lost two seconds to Roglič. Yet, as the earlier riders had shown, it was the climb that would be decisive.
On the climb, a crowd of Slovenian spectators - the finish line bordered Slovenia - cheered. Roglič pedalled his small gear smoothly. His rhythm was like a clockwork. Thomas, who had opted for a larger gear, seemed to be struggling. Thomas soon fell behind by eight seconds to Roglič. At the second measurement point, at 15.3 km, Thomas was already trailing by 16 seconds. With still 3.5 km to climb, his lead in the general classification had shrunk from 26 to 10 seconds. Roglič would surely win the stage and most likely the Giro.
But then, "o fortuna!", when riding over a pothole, the chain of Roglič's bike dropped. Roglič had to stop and swap his bike for another one. This manoeuvre would take at least 10 seconds! The mechanical mishap had ruined the climax the organisation had envisioned and it seemed Thomas would keep the pink jersey and win his first Giro. The memories of "La Planche des Belles Filles" came flooding back. Roglič, however, remained composed. He got off his bike, calmly put the chain back on, and jumped back on. In no time, he was pedalling his steady pace once again.
Yet, the manoeuvre had cost him 16 seconds. He could still win the stage, but it seemed difficult to win the Giro.
As the finish line approached, it became clear that Roglič's performance was outstanding. However, he still needed to be careful during the descent preceding the finish, which heightened the crowd's anticipation. Given his history as a daring former ski jumper, known for experiencing multiple crashes, this added an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Everything went well for Roglič this time! He flawlessly navigated the final stretch, completing the race in an impressive time of 44 minutes and 23 seconds.
As Thomas descended towards the finish, it became evident that Roglič would not only win the stage but also the Giro. Thomas knew it, and so did the numerous Slovene supporters who cheered and waved the Slovene flag. At the finish line, Thomas lost 40 seconds to Roglič. The latter would take the pink jersey and, on the last day of the Giro, hold a 14-second lead in the general classification.
During the first rest day of this Giro, organizer Mauro Vegni had expressed his primary concern of bringing the race to Rome. While the event is often regarded as the most captivating among the three Grand Tours of cycling, this edition faced challenges due to COVID-19, adverse weather conditions, and numerous crashes. Over 50 of the original 176 riders did not reach Rome.
Seven stages concluded with a mass sprint, and more than half of the early breakaways resulted in a breakaway rider seizing the stage victory. Although the three mountain stages in the Dolomites failed to deliver the anticipated fireworks, the time trial exceeded all expectations. When people reminisce about this Giro, one image will endure: Roglič composedly fixing his bike's chain on a challenging climb of raw concrete, swiftly remounting and emerging triumphant in a demanding time trial that secured him the Giro d'Italia.
Final general classification of this year's edition:
1. Primož Roglič (SVN) Jumbo-Visma 85:29:02
2. Geraint Thomas (GBR) INEOS Grenadiers 0:14
3. João Almeida (PRT) UAE Team Emirates 1:15
4. Damiano Caruso (ITA) Bahrain – Victorious 4:40
5. Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama – FDJ 5:43
6. Thymen Arensman (NLD) INEOS Grenadiers 6:05
7. Eddie Dunbar (IRL) Team Jayco AlUla 7:30
8. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) Team DSM 7:31
9. Lennard Kämna (DEU) BORA – hansgrohe 7:46
10. Laurens De Plus (BEL) INEOS Grenadiers 9:08
md/ms
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ROME - Slovene rider Primož Roglič secured the overall victory of this year's edition of bicycle race Giro d'Italia after a thrilling time trial on Saturday. British veteran sprinter Marc Cavendish emerged victorious in the final stage of the competition, held on Sunday on the streets of Rome.
Following Saturday's intense time trial, which took place in the Alps, from Tarvisio to Monte Lussari, Roglič held the lead in the general classification, with Geraint Thomas from Britain trailing by 14 seconds in second place and João Almeida from Portugal in third place, 1 minute and 15 seconds behind Roglič. Although only 18.6 km long, this time trial had paralyzed the Giro since day one. Its 7.3 km-long climb was on raw concrete and had gradients up to 22%. The entire Giro had been designed towards this climax.
The event's organisation is known for its taste for innovation and experimentation. Anyone who saw the Giro in 2021 will remember Colombian Egan Bernal appearing from that dark tunnel and rushing past the two breakaway riders up the Campo Felice on a stretch of gravel.
This year, however, the time trial was a logistical nightmare: on the path of the Monte Lussari, cars could not follow their riders nor return to follow their next rider, and several stretches of the path were even too narrow for a cyclist to pass another.
The organisation imposed specific rules. Riders were not allowed to use a time trial bike on the climb. They either had to switch bikes in a designated area at the foot of the climb or use a normal bike throughout the entire stage. Cars would not be allowed on the climb: mechanics, with a bike fastened on their back, would take place on a motorcycle to follow their riders. The riders would be grouped into three tiers, each with about 40 riders. There would be a break of 45 minutes between each tier. In the first two tiers, each rider would start a minute after the other, while in the third tier, each rider would start three minutes after the other.
Apart from deciding whether or not to switch bikes at the foot of the climb, the teams had to make several technical decisions, particularly regarding the gearing that would best suit the brutally steep Monte Lussari. Several teams opted for gearing typical of mountain bikes.
The Tier 1 riders started at full speed on the traditional, flat part. However, on the climb, they then lost significant time. Dutch time trial champion Bauke Mollema was even passed by a rider who had started five minutes later.
The main battle, of course, would be between Primož Roglič and Geraint Thomas. Roglič would be the penultimate rider to ride this time trial, while Thomas would start three minutes later and be the last rider to start.
Although a specialist in this type of time trial and having become Olympic champion on a sloping track, Primož Roglič was facing several challenges. His main competitor, Thomas, had a lead of 26 seconds in the general classification. Therefore, to win this Giro, Roglič would have to ride the stage more than 26 seconds faster than Thomas, not an easy task given that Thomas is also a great time trialist and that throughout this Giro, he had proven to be in great shape.
Since Roglič crashed badly in two races last year, it seemed that his time trial skills were no longer what they used to be: from being an excellent time triallist, he had become a very good one. But most of all, Roglič once lost a Tour de France because of an uphill time trial which was scheduled on the penultimate day. The time trial to "La Planche des Belles Filles" would turn out to be a dramatic experience that has haunted him ever since.
Saturday afternoon, once both contenders had started, the stage became the "grand finale" the Giro organisation had hoped for. A true roller coaster!
At the first measurement point, located at the junction of the flat part and the climb, Roglič clocked a new record time. He crossed the measurement point four seconds faster than Portuguese João Almeida, third in the general classification. When Thomas crossed this point, he had lost two seconds to Roglič. Yet, as the earlier riders had shown, it was the climb that would be decisive.
On the climb, a crowd of Slovenian spectators - the finish line bordered Slovenia - cheered. Roglič pedalled his small gear smoothly. His rhythm was like a clockwork. Thomas, who had opted for a larger gear, seemed to be struggling. Thomas soon fell behind by eight seconds to Roglič. At the second measurement point, at 15.3 km, Thomas was already trailing by 16 seconds. With still 3.5 km to climb, his lead in the general classification had shrunk from 26 to 10 seconds. Roglič would surely win the stage and most likely the Giro.
But then, "o fortuna!", when riding over a pothole, the chain of Roglič's bike dropped. Roglič had to stop and swap his bike for another one. This manoeuvre would take at least 10 seconds! The mechanical mishap had ruined the climax the organisation had envisioned and it seemed Thomas would keep the pink jersey and win his first Giro. The memories of "La Planche des Belles Filles" came flooding back. Roglič, however, remained composed. He got off his bike, calmly put the chain back on, and jumped back on. In no time, he was pedalling his steady pace once again.
Yet, the manoeuvre had cost him 16 seconds. He could still win the stage, but it seemed difficult to win the Giro.
As the finish line approached, it became clear that Roglič's performance was outstanding. However, he still needed to be careful during the descent preceding the finish, which heightened the crowd's anticipation. Given his history as a daring former ski jumper, known for experiencing multiple crashes, this added an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Everything went well for Roglič this time! He flawlessly navigated the final stretch, completing the race in an impressive time of 44 minutes and 23 seconds.
As Thomas descended towards the finish, it became evident that Roglič would not only win the stage but also the Giro. Thomas knew it, and so did the numerous Slovene supporters who cheered and waved the Slovene flag. At the finish line, Thomas lost 40 seconds to Roglič. The latter would take the pink jersey and, on the last day of the Giro, hold a 14-second lead in the general classification.
During the first rest day of this Giro, organizer Mauro Vegni had expressed his primary concern of bringing the race to Rome. While the event is often regarded as the most captivating among the three Grand Tours of cycling, this edition faced challenges due to COVID-19, adverse weather conditions, and numerous crashes. Over 50 of the original 176 riders did not reach Rome.
Seven stages concluded with a mass sprint, and more than half of the early breakaways resulted in a breakaway rider seizing the stage victory. Although the three mountain stages in the Dolomites failed to deliver the anticipated fireworks, the time trial exceeded all expectations. When people reminisce about this Giro, one image will endure: Roglič composedly fixing his bike's chain on a challenging climb of raw concrete, swiftly remounting and emerging triumphant in a demanding time trial that secured him the Giro d'Italia.
Final general classification of this year's edition:
1. Primož Roglič (SVN) Jumbo-Visma 85:29:02
2. Geraint Thomas (GBR) INEOS Grenadiers 0:14
3. João Almeida (PRT) UAE Team Emirates 1:15
4. Damiano Caruso (ITA) Bahrain – Victorious 4:40
5. Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama – FDJ 5:43
6. Thymen Arensman (NLD) INEOS Grenadiers 6:05
7. Eddie Dunbar (IRL) Team Jayco AlUla 7:30
8. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) Team DSM 7:31
9. Lennard Kämna (DEU) BORA – hansgrohe 7:46
10. Laurens De Plus (BEL) INEOS Grenadiers 9:08
md/ms
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BRUSSELS - Colombian climber Santiago Buitrago won the toughest mountain stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race Friday but Briton Geraint Thomas retained the pink jersey as standings leader and is odds-on to win the Giro. Speedy Slovene Primož Roglič finished three seconds behind doughty Thomas, from Wales, and 23 seconds behind the overall number three, João Almeida of Portugal.
“Save the best for last,” may have been the organisers’ credo when they designed this edition of the Giro d’Italia. All the heavy stages were scheduled towards the last days of the tour and in each of these stages the last kilometres would be the heavier. In a cycling tour which lasts three weeks anything can happen during the last week. In 2018, British Chris Froome in the third week dethroned his fellow countryman Adam Yates who for two weeks had been dominating that Giro. In one mountain stage, Froome took almost 39 minutes from Yates.
Friday’s mountain stage probably was the hardest of this Giro -perhaps only second to Saturday’s uphill time trial. The finish of stage 19 from Longarone to “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” has an iconic status. Belgian Eddy Merckx, the legendary cyclist who won the Giro five times, once said the “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” was the hardest climb he had ever done.
At 111 km from the finish line, after several riders had vainly tried to break away from the peloton, a group of 15 riders got together. Meanwhile, in the peloton, Irishman Ben Healy repeatedly tried to attack French Thibaud Pinot’s KOM jersey.
On the steep “Passo di Giau”, the breakaway group somewhat fell apart. But it was in the pouring rain on the “Passo Tre Croci” that three riders, Colombian Santiago Buitrago, Canadian Derek Gee and Danish Magnus Cort, managed to ride away.
At the foot of the last climb, the “Tre Cime di Lavaredo”, Gee attacked. There were a lot of spectators on this notorious climb. Especially its last four km, with a gradient reaching 18 percent, would be spectacular. One kilometre behind the three breakaway riders, the entire top 10 of the general classification were following them at three minutes and 34 seconds. This meant that none of the overall contenders would be able to win the race and take precious bonification seconds.
Climber Buitrago knew how to tackle this climb using Gee as a target. Finally, Buitrago sprinted past Gee to victory. Brave Gee for the fourth time in this Giro finished second.
In the general classification race, consecutively Norwegian Andreas Leknessund (eight), German Lennard Kämna (sixth) and Irishman Eddie Dunbar (fourth) could not keep up with their fellow general contenders. Each of them would lose time in the general classification.
Right before the final km, Slovene Primož Roglič attacked fiercely. Only British Geraint Thomas could follow him. Portuguese João Almeida initially could not follow Roglič and Thomas, but at his own pace later managed to join them. Also Dutch Thymen Arensman (nineth) and Italian Damiano Caruso (fifth) joined Roglič and Thomas.
Then pink jersey Thomas himself attacked. Only Roglič could follow him. After Thomas seemed to have dropped Roglič, the latter came back and beat the former in a sprint. Roglič took three seconds from Thomas and twenty-three seconds from Almeida. Caruso, who finished together with Almeida, moved up one position in the general classification.
Contrary to the anticipation, stage 19 did not stir the general classification. Perhaps Saturday’s decisive time-trial was the reason why none of the general contenders dared to attack early? The highly unusual time trial contains a long and excruciatingly steep hill on raw concrete during which each of the contenders may lose not only tiny seconds, but several minutes.
The general standings (top 10) after stage 19:
1. Geraint Thomas (GBR) INEOS Grenadiers
2. Primož Roglič (SVN) Team Jumbo-Visma 0’26”
3. João Almeida (PRT) UAE Team Emirates 0’59”
4. Damiano Caruso (ITA) Bahrain – Victorious 4’11”
5. Eddie Dunbar (IRL) Team Jayco AlUla 4’53”
6. Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama – FDJ 5’10”
7. Thymen Arensman (NLD) INEOS Grenadiers 5’13”
8. Lennard Kämna (GER) BORA – hansgrohe 5’54”
9. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) Team DSM 6’08”
10. Laurens De Plus (BEL) INEOS Grenadiers 7’30”
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BRUSSELS - Italian champion Filippo Zana beat French Thibaut Pinot in a short sprint to win stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia. Portuguese João Almeida lost time in the general classification.
With only 161 km, Thursday’s was one of the shorter stages of this Giro, but its five climbs would make it one of the harder. Stage 18 from Oderzo to the “Val di Zoldo” ski resort was the first of three stages in the Dolomite Mountains. Thursday morning, after almost three weeks of cycling, no less than 50 of the original 176 riders had abandoned the tour.
British Geraint Thomas celebrated his 37th birthday sporting the pink jersey. When early in the race he noticed that his main contender, Slovene Primož Roglič, and his Jumbo-Visma team were dangling at the back of the peloton, Thomas asked his team to keep a fast pace.
A group of seven riders, among which French Thibaut Pinot, had managed to break away. On the steep Coi (an average gradient of 9.7% and a maximum gradient of 19.7%), Pinot and Italian champion Filippo Zana left their five companions behind them. Arriving first on each following climb, Pinot became the leader of the KOM classification.
Yet, on the final climb towards Val di Zoldo, Pinot again made beginner’s mistakes. Just like he did two days ago. In the final 200 m, Zana accelerated and won the stage.
Meanwhile, at 7.4 km from the finish line, Roglič’s master aid, American Sepp Kuss, had accelerated on the Coi. João Almeida, who then was second in the general classification after having impressed in the previous mountain stage, could not follow. Only Thomas and Irish Eddy Dunbar, fourth in the general classification, could follow both Jumbo-Visma riders. Then Primož Roglič himself attacked. This time, only Thomas could follow. At less than one km from the top, stage 18 finally brought the fireworks everyone expected it to bring!
Thomas and Roglič cooperated in order to take more time on Almeida. At the finish line, Roglič beat Thomas in the sprint. Almeida finished 21 seconds later. After Thursday’s stage, Thomas was leading the general classification with 29 seconds on Roglič and ten more on Almeida. Number four, Dunbar, lagged almost four minutes. With one more mountain stage and an atypical time trial to go, it looks like this Giro will be contended by Thomas, Roglič and Almeida.
The general classification (top 10) after stage 18:
1.Geraint Thomas (GBR) INEOS Grenadiers
2.Primož Roglič (SVN) Team Jumbo-Visma 0’29”
3.João Almeida (PRT) UAE Team Emirates 0’39”
4.Eddie Dunbar (IRL) Team Jayco AlUla 3’39”
5.Damiano Caruso (ITA) Bahrain – Victorious 3’51”
6.Lennard Kämna (DEU) BORA – hansgrohe 4’27”
7.Thibaut Pinot (FRA) Groupama – FDJ 4’43”
8.Andreas Leknessund (NOR) Team DSM 4’47”
9.Thymen Arensman (NLD) INEOS Grenadiers 4’53”
10.Laurens De Plus (BEL) INEOS Grenadiers 5’52”
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BRUSSELS - Italian sprinter Alberto Dainese won a photo finish at the end of stage 17 of the Tour of Italy. His compatriot, Jonathan Milan, again finished second. British Geraint Thomas retained the overall lead.
After a heavy mountain stage and before three ditto stages in the Dolomites, Wednesday’s stage was to be a ceasefire between the general contenders. In fact, stage 17 from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle did not feature a single climb. Moreover, its first 100 km were slightly descending. This stage would be ideal for a mass finish.
With only two flat stages to go, several teams tried to avoid a successful breakaway and have their sprinter win this stage. Movistar and Astana especially controlled the stage: their sprinters, respectively Colombian Fernando Gaviria and British Marc Cavendish, have still not won during the course of this Giro.
In an elongated sprint in the streets of Caorle several teams worked hard to launch their sprinter. Finally, Italian Alberto Dainese edged his compatriot Jonathan Milan and Australian Michael Matthews.
Twenty two year-old Milan has already won a stage in this Giro and has finished second four times. Milan is currently leading the Points classification by a large margin.
Stage 17 did not bring any changes to the general classification.
The general classification (top 10) after stage 17:
1. Geraint Thomas (GBR) INEOS Grenadiers
2. João Almeida (PRT) UAE Team Emirates 0’18”
3. Primož Roglič (SVN) Jumbo-Visma 0’29”
4. Damiano Caruso (ITA) Bahrain – Victorious 2’50”
5. Eddie Dunbar (IRL) Team Jayco AlUla 3’03”
6. Lennard Kämna (DEU) BORA – Hansgrohe 3’20”
7. Bruno Armirail (FRA) Groupama – FDJ 3’22”
8. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) Team DSM 3’30”
9. Thymen Arensman (NLD) INEOS Grenadiers 4’09”
10. Laurens De Plus (BEL) INEOS Grenadiers 4’32”
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NAPOLI - The young Georgian football star has revealed his special nickname. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been in Naples for almost a year and they are already calling him "Kvaradona." "All nicknames are beautiful …, but obviously even a small part of the name Maradona mixed with mine… fills me with pride, so Kvaradona is definitely my favourite," the Napoli star said.
Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger of the Italian club Napoli, was named the Serie A Player of the Month for March for the second time in a row and for the third time in the same season, setting a new all-time record in the history of the championship.
The Georgian footballer has already scored 14 goals and made 16 assists in his games so far this season, majorly impacting his club’s performances. SSC Napoli claimed their first Serie A title in 33 years this year.
At the press conference, Khvicha was asked who his football idol was and why he chose the number 77, and his answer was Cristiano Ronaldo.
"My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo, as a kid I was his fan and because of him I like to play on the left wing. The number 7 is my favourite. The number was not available in the club, so I chose 77, which will bring me double luck," Khvicha said.
Kvaratskhelia represents the link between two cultures, Georgia and Italy: in the space of a few months Georgian fans started to follow him everywhere. The Georgian airline company started operating charter flights directly from Tbilisi to Naples. While playing at the "Maradona" stadium, group of hundreds of people encouraged him with Georgian flags from the stands.
Fans from Naples also keep astounding the footballer. A fan of the club even named their new born child Khvicha. Making the child the first new born with that name in Italy. The infant was born on March 31 at the Clinica Santa Patrizia di Secondigliano.
The news quickly made its way through city, although few are surprised. It is reminiscent of Maradona’s time, when Neapolitan parents were naming their children Diego.
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