Spoleto to Prati di Tivo provided the first mountain stage of the Giro. With two categorised climbs and covering 152kms, it was a stark contrast to the previous day’s TT (See yesterday’s reaction here). Not one for the sprinters, this would most likely be between the GC and a breakaway group.
That is exactly how it played out. Current overall leader, Tadej Pogačar (Team UAE), and his squad controlled the pace of the peloton. Keeping the breakaway on a manageable sub-two-minute gap over the first two climbs. Even as the break worked in unison bolstered by an in-form Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step), there was always the sense they were on borrowed time.
UAE increased their pace, intent on catching the break. Success came at a cost. Such was the effort, UAE burned through several of their team.
On the final climb, 14.6km between 7% and 12% gradient, Pogačar had two loyal team-mates working hard in an effort to damage the peloton while ensuring the pace was too high for oportunistic attacks (22-30kph). One question remained, did Pogačar intend to limit his efforts to GC rivals or overall stage victory? The latter likely to cost more energy.
Domen Novak and Rafal Majka, UAE’s super domestiques, bore the cost. In a display of fierce determination, they pulled their leader to within 2k of the summit finish before first Novak then finally Majka faded away. The remaining group of nine, consisting of two from Ineos including GC rival, Geraint Thomas and Thymen Arensman, Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious), Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma Lease-a-Bike), GC number two Daniel Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe), Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R) and Michael Storer (Tudor Pro).
Still on a steep ascent with 1.8k to go, Tiberi attacks from the rear of the group. Uijtdebroeks follows. Seeing Tiberi pass, Pogačar instantly reacts to close the small gap. Thomas and the rest join the train. Tiberi knocks off his effort. It’s unclear if Tiberi is fighting for the stage or looking to gap his U23 White jersey rival, Uijtdebroeks.
Over the following 500 metres there are four more attacks. Pogačar shuts down each one with apparent ease. No one is permitted to escape.
With 700 metres remaining, somehow Rafal Majka finds the strength to rejoin the group. He powers to the front to provide a lead out for Pogačar who slips behind his wheel. Majka empties the tank for 500 metres.
200 metres remain. Martinez pulls alongside Pogačar. Both initiate the uphill sprint for the line. O’Connor on their wheel. The others in close single file.
Pogačar’s effort becomes visible for the first time today.
Martinez is a strong uphill finisher.
Pogačar, though, pulls out five bike lengths. So dominant he eases off before the line, arm in the air celebrating.
One could be forgiven for wondering how much longer he can drive his team to these extremes. There are two more weeks. Well, there are two considerations: everyone else was forced to work just as hard and tomorrow is mostly downhill followed by a rest day.
Pogačar picked up 10 bonus seconds for first place. Martinez and O’Connor recorded the same time. Thomas was 2 seconds back.
Honourable mention goes to Michael Storer. Not only was he in the group that could live with Pogačar, he was also in the breakaway all day.
Tomorrow is the final day of week one before the first rest day.
Enjoy your Sunday. Enjoy the beautiful race.