The Giro d’Italia faced chaos in the third and final week of the race due to heavy snow and freezing rain. A rider protest led to the removal of the Umbrail Pass from the route, but this did not stop Tadej Pogacar from extending his overall lead by over seven minutes. Pogacar secured his 12th victory of the season by overtaking Giulio Pellizzari in the final kilometer of Stage 16 atop Monte Pana. Dani Martinez moved into second place on the general classification, ahead of Geraint Thomas, after a strong performance in the challenging conditions.
The race was marked by a long-range attack from Julian Alaphilippe, who was caught by a chase group that included Pellizzari. Despite Pellizzari’s impressive second-place finish, Pogacar managed to overtake him and claim another stage win. The chaotic start to the stage in Livigno was criticized by teams and riders, with discussions between the riders’ union and race organizers leading to a compromise that altered the route and start location. Once the race began, the riders pushed the pace in the challenging weather conditions.
Pogacar praised his UAE Team Emirates squad for their teamwork during the stage, particularly noting the efforts of the Movistar team in controlling the pace. As the race heads into the final mountain stages, Pogacar’s dominant performance has put him in a commanding position in the overall standings. Despite facing tough competition from riders like Martinez and Thomas, Pogacar’s form suggests that he is likely to continue his winning streak in the upcoming stages.
The riders faced difficult conditions on the course, with rain and snow adding to the challenges of the mountainous terrain. Movistar played a key role in controlling the chase group before Pogacar made his move on the final climb. While Alaphilippe and the breakaway riders put up a strong fight, it was ultimately Pogacar who emerged victorious once again. With more mountain stages ahead, the battle for second place behind Pogacar remains intense, with Thomas, O’Connor, and Martinez vying for positions on the general classification.
Pogacar expressed admiration for Pellizzari’s performance in the stage, acknowledging the young rider’s strength and determination. The race continues to showcase the resilience and competitive spirit of the riders, despite the challenging conditions they face. As the Giro d’Italia progresses towards its conclusion, Pogacar’s dominance and the fierce competition among the contenders promise an exciting finale to the race. With more mountain stages to come, the riders will continue to push themselves to their limits in pursuit of victory.
