Doubled Advantage for Yates as He Outperforms Giro Favorites Twice Over
In a thrilling display of climbing, British rider Simon Yates has assumed the lead of the 108th Giro d'Italia, virtually securing overall victory. Riding for Team Visma-Lease a Bike, Yates launched a decisive attack around 39 kilometers from the finish on the fabled Colle delle Finestre.
Yates crossed the line as the amused third-place finisher, setting himself up for an overall title win. The 32-year-old Briton broke away from the group of general classification (GC) riders on the gravel roads preceding the legendary Colle delle Finestre, snatching the lead from Mexican upstart Isaac Del Toro (UAE Emirates-XRG), who could not keep pace with Yates' swift ascent. Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), who previously trailed in second place, also failed to keep up.
On the final stage in Rome on Sunday, the race leader will not be assaulted. Yates, who clinched the Vuelta in 2018, now aims for his second Grand Tour victory. In the overall standings, he now comfortably leads Del Toro (+3:56) and Carapaz (+4:43). The day's victory went to Australian Chris Harper (Jayco AlUla) as a solo rider. Yates finished third, trailing behind Alessandro Verre (Arkea-B&B Hotels/+1:49) and (+1:57).
Carapaz initiated the first attack on the 18.2-kilometer-long climb with an average gradient of 9.2%. This happened earlier than expected, as many had anticipated an attack in the last eight gravel kilometers. Del Toro followed Carapaz, with Yates joining the pair. A series of failed attempts at creating distance followed, but on the fourth try, Yates successfully established a decisive gap.
The top riders, including Carapaz and Del Toro, found themselves unable to respond to Yates' move. It seemed as if they were holding each other back as Yates' coup became apparent. Upon reaching the finish line with approximately seven minutes behind the leader, they reluctantly accepted their fate.
"We were probably the strongest, but not the most astute," Carapaz admitted frustratedly at the finish, addressing Del Toro: "He lost the Giro."
For Yates, the victory marks the closure of a circle. Seven years ago, he lost the overall lead on the Colle delle Finestre after a severe collapse, despite wearing the pink jersey for 13 days. At that time, Chris Froome was the beneficiary of the memorable climb, which this year had to be traversed over 18.5 kilometers, eight of which were gravel roads.
The Giro d'Italia will conclude on Sunday with a symbolic ride through Rome, including a passage through the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV will greet and bless the riders at St. Peter's Basilica. The late Pope Francis had made this extraordinary route possible. The ride commences at the Circus Maximus and passes numerous historical sites on cobblestone roads.
[1] ntv.de, [2] tno/sid/dpa
In the world of sports, Yates, the cyclist, has managed to secure a significant victory in the Giro d'Italia, a feat he had nearly missed seven years ago on the same grueling Colle delle Finestre climb. On the other hand, the sport of football will witness a less intense competition in Rome on Sunday, as the riders will not be assaulted but will instead be greeted by Pope Leo XIV.
