Unstoppable Yates Outshines Top Contenders in Humiliating Manner
Headline: Simon Yates Secures Giro d'Italia Victory with Decisive Colle delle Finestre Attack
Subhead: британский гонщик поднимает над остальными соперниками знак победы
In a spectacular performance, Simon Yates took the lead of the 108th Giro d'Italia during the penultimate stage, a 205-kilometer ride from Verrès to Sestrière. The Briton from Team Visma-Lease a Bike delivered a fabulous climbing display on the legendary Colle delle Finestre, culminating in a decisive attack around 39 kilometers from the finish.
Yates broke away from a group of general classification (GC) riders on the gravel roads leading up to the climb and secured the overall lead from Mexican sensation Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates-XRG). The 21-year-old Mexican, who had been sporting the pink jersey for several stages, could not keep pace with the second-placed Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) on the grueling ascent.
Trailing del Toro by over a minute and a half before the stage, Yates completed the 18.5-kilometer Colle delle Finestre, which averages a 9.2 percent gradient, and emerged with a commanding lead. Carapaz initiated the first attack on the climb, unlike many expectations, not within the final eight gravel kilometers. Del Toro responded, and Yates joined the duo, only to later create a gap on his fourth attempt.
Alease Verre of Arkea-B&B Hotels took the stage win on Sunday, but Yates maintained his lead until the end of the race. Australian Chris Harper finished second, and Alessandro Verre, who had won the stage, placed third. The final stage on Sunday will be a symbolic ride through Rome, starting, and finishing at the Circus Maximus, with the riders passing through the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica before concluding the race.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid/dpa
Footnote:
- Overall, Yates secured a convincing victory in the Giro d'Italia, after overcoming a significant deficit during the challenging ascent of the Colle delle Finestre. Seven years ago, Yates had struggled on the same climb, dropping from the lead to 35 minutes behind. This time, he successfully redeemed himself by taking the pink jersey and holding onto it until the final stage.
- Despite missing the opportunity to become the first Mexican cyclist to win a Grand Tour, Isaac Del Toro remained positive and recognized his achievement as the first Mexican to lead a Grand Tour and potentially reach the podium. Richard Carapaz, Yates' closest rival, acknowledged his defeat and expressed frustration with his perceived strategic errors.
- The race ends on Sunday with a ceremonial ride through Rome, where Pope Leo XIV will greet and bless the riders at St. Peter's Basilica, a tradition initiated by the late Pope Francis.
In this amazing accomplishment, Simon Yates proved himself as the Giro d'Italia champion, securing victory through a decisive attack during the challenging Colle delle Finestre climb. This was a significant redemption for Yates, who previously struggled on the same climb seven years ago. On the other hand, despite missing the chance to become the first Mexican cyclist to win a Grand Tour, Isaac del Toro maintained a positive spirit, recognizing his historic lead in a Grand Tour.
