Red Bull escapes a daunting Giro disaster, thanks to rider Nico Denz.
Giro d'Italia 2023: Nico Denz secures emotional stage victory for Red Bull
In a timely turn of events, Nico Denz clinched a solo victory at the Giro d'Italia, marking the first German stage triumph in the 108th edition of the race. The 31-year-old cyclist's impressive performance on the 144-kilometer stretch from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno came as a much-needed morale booster for his Red Bull team, after the withdrawals of Primoz Roglic and Jai Hindley left a trail of disappointment.
Denz, a proven performer at this race, raised his arms in triumph as he crossed the finish line, having distanced himself from an 11-rider breakaway group 18 kilometers from the end. His victory arrived with a comfortable margin of 61 seconds over Mirco Maesti and Edward Planckaert.
Exuberant after the win, Denz credited both his instincts and the challenging circumstances faced by his team. "Today might have been the most emotional victory after losing Jai and Primoz," remarked Denz. "We had a shared goal of winning the Giro with Primoz Roglic. It was a significant setback when he pulled out. This win is a testament to the resilience of our team," he added.
Prior to the race, Denz had already made a significant impact with two stage victories—Stage 12 (Bra to Rivoli) and Stage 14 (Sierre to Cassano Magnago)—both won in sprints from small groups. His wins highlighted his opportunistic racing style and strong finishing abilities. Despite the Red Bull team's primary focus on Roglič as a GC contender, Denz's performances showcased the team's depth and adaptability after losing their leader.
Mexican Isaac del Toro currently leads the overall race, sitting 41 seconds ahead of former winner Richard Carapaz from Ecuador, with British Simon Yates third, 51 seconds behind. The next mountain showdown is scheduled for Friday, featuring three first-category climbs and around 5000 meters of elevation gain. All eyes will be on the young del Toro, who displayed his comeback skills with his first stage win on Wednesday.
Source: ntv.de, sue/dpa* Cycling* Primoz Roglic
Other sports, including cycling, have witnessed significant upheavals following the withdrawals of key figures. Primoz Roglic's exit from the Giro d'Italia 2023 not only impacted his Red Bull team but resonated across the cycling world.
