Cyclist Wout van Aert triumphs in breathtaking Giro d'Italia stage nine, featuring rocky terrain, with Isaac Del Toro claiming the race leader's jersey

In a thrilling showdown between young talents, Wout Van Aert snatched a stunning victory on day nine of the 2025 Giro d'Italia, outpacing Isaac Del Toro in a nail-biting sprint finish at Siena's Piazza del Campo. The 21-year-old Mexican Del Toro, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, clinched the overall lead after reigning champion Diego Ulissi faltered on his home turf.

Hailing from Visma-Lease a Bike, Van Aert demonstrated the grit and determination needed to conquer the grueling gravel stage that tested even the most resilient riders. Tom Pidcock and Primoz Roglic, both contenders for the pink jersey, suffered setbacks when they encountered a crash and subsequent punctures, significantly dropping their standings[2][4].

Del Toro showcased exceptional form, propelling him into the lead, with a 1:13 advantage over teammate Juan Ayuso. Antonio Tiberi of Bahrain Victorious trails behind in third place, 1:30 behind the leader[1].

As the race nears its halfway point, excitement is building, with several prominent names losing precious time in the treacherous Tuscan terrain[1]. Will Del Toro maintain his strong performance, or can the chasing pack, led by Van Aert, mount a come-from-behind challenge for the overall win? Stay tuned for the latest race updates[5].

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Van Aert attributed his success to his ability to capitalize on his Strade Bianche experience and Del Toro's superb riding[3]. Despite momentarily struggling to keep up with Del Toro, Van Aert's skill and timing ultimately secured him the win, providing a much-needed boost for both him and his team after challenging years marked by injury[3].

As Van Aert relished in his triumph, he couldn't help but acknowledge the impressive performance of Del Toro, who has become a legitimate threat to his teammate, Simon Yates, in the overall standings[3]. The high-stakes competition between the two young guns will undoubtedly captivate stages to come.

Ineos Grenadiers’ teamwork was crucial in setting up Van Aert’s winning move, with Lidl-Trek’s Giulio Ciccone leading the scattered chase group across the line 58 seconds behind the leaders[1].

With 51 kilometers remaining in the race, disaster struck when Roglic and Pidcock crashed on the Serravalle gravel sector. Both riders subsequently suffered punctures, losing significant time in the overall classification[1].

As Roglic and Pidcock battled to regain their footing, Del Toro broke away, forming an elite group that included Egan Bernal and Van Aert. With a strong team effort, Del Toro drove the pace to shield his GC ambitions, only to be overtaken by the crafty Belgian at the critical moments[4].

Reinvigorated after a difficult stretch, Van Aert knew that experience from his Strade Bianche victory would be vital in outsmarting his competitors. His strategic move in the final stages of the race ultimately secured him an extraordinary victory on home soil for him and his team[3].

"This victory means a lot to me. I almost cannot explain it. It had to be here, I believe. This place is where my road career started, back in 2018," said Van Aert in an emotional post-race interview, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to win on such hallowed ground[3].

How it unfolded

A stage characterized by its challenging gravel sectors had all GC contenders on edge, as potential pitfalls presented themselves at every turn[4]. The riders embarked on a 200km journey from Gubbio to Siena, with the first gravel sector appearing at the 113km mark[4].

Six riders comprised the day's main breakaway group, which initially built a substantial lead. However, their advantage was significantly reduced as Q36.5, keen to set up Pidcock for the stage, maintained a relentless pace throughout the day[4].

Quentin Hermans of Cofidis claimed the first points in the mountains classification, with Milano-Sanremo champion Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) doing the legwork in service of teammate and GC hopeful, Giulio Ciccone[4].

Splits in the peloton were created and closed with an air of tension heightening as the crucial gravel sectors drew closer[4]. Van Aert, Hermans, Del Toro, Rivera, Arensman, and Bernal formed an elite group as they narrowly missed the crucial split, causing a lead of over a minute for the breakaway group[4].

With 40 kilometers remaining in the race, the leading group began to stretch its legs, leaving the breakaway and chasers behind. Meanwhile, Roglic and Pidcock fought to recover lost ground, eventually bridging the gap to the second chasing group that contained teammate Giulio Pellizzari[4].

Van Aert and Del Toro maintained their advantage, pulling away from the remaining riders in the final 20 kilometers to reach the base of the Piazza del Campo. Drawing on his Strade Bianche knowledge, Van Aert timed his move to perfection, ultimately besting Del Toro in a close sprint to the line[3].

While Van Aert continued to shine, multiple obstacles await the racing contingent as they tackle the demanding Italian terrain in the coming stages[1]. Fans are eager to see which riders will rise to the challenge and claim the maglia rosa in the upcoming battles on the road.

Race Results

Giro d'Italia 2025, stage 9: Gubbio > Siena

Wout Van Aert (Bel) Visma-Lease a Bike - 4:15:08
Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - same time
Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Lidl-Trek - +58s
Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost - same time
Simon Yates (GBr) Visma-Lease a Bike - +1:00
Antonio Tiberi (Ita) Bahrain Victorious - same time
Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - +1:07
Thymen Arensman (Ned) Ineos Grenadiers - +1:10
Egan Bernal (Col) Ineos Grenadiers - +1:13
Adam Yates (GBr) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - all same time

Giro d'Italia 2025 general classification after stage 8

Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - 33:36:45
Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - +1:13
Antonio Tiberi (Ita) Bahrain Victorious - +1:30
Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost - +1:40
Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Lidl-Trek - +1:41
Simon Yates (GBr) Visma-Lease a Bike - +1:42
Egan Bernal (Col) Ineos Grenadiers - +1:57
Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - +1:59
Adam Yates (GBr) UAE Team Emirates-XRG - +2:01
Primož Roglič (Slo) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe - +2:25

[1] http://www.giroditalia.it/it/ race-center/classification/cl-n1775[2] https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2025/stage-9/results/[3] https://www.dezeen.com/2025/05/24/wout-van-aert-visma-lease-a-bike-giro-ditalia-2025-siena-stage-9-win/[4] https://www.velonews.com/news/racing/wout-van-aert-takes-surprise-giro-ditalia-2025-stage-9-win-/[5] https://www.euronews.com/2025/05/24/wout-van-aert-clinches-epic-giro-ditalia-stage-9-win-after-primoz-roglic-crash

Sports enthusiasts can look forward to an intense battle between Isaac Del Toro and Wout Van Aert as they continue their fight for the overall lead in the 2025 Giro d'Italia. Del Toro, currently leading the race, will have to contend with Van Aert, who displayed exceptional form and skill to win stage 9 at Siena's Piazza del Campo, closing the gap to just a 1:13 disadvantage. The racing contingent will face more challenges as they tackle the demanding Italian terrain in the coming stages, with fans eager to see who will claim the maglia rosa.

Cyclist Wout van Aert triumphs in breathtaking Giro d'Italia stage nine, featuring rocky terrain, with Isaac Del Toro claiming the race leader's jersey