Giro 2024: Olav Kooij wins in Naples, Jonathan Milan burned in the sprint

First stage success in the Giro for Olav Kooij

Olav Kooij won the ninth stage of the Giro d'Italia, which took the caravan from Avezzano, Abruzzo, to Naples, the capital of Campania, after 214 kilometers of an undulating course especially in the early part of the stage. In the sprint, the Dutchman of Team Visma-Lease a Bike literally burned Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), who was perhaps left in the wind a moment too soon. The Friulian still remains in the cyclamen jersey. Completing the day's podium was Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates), third.

"My first stage win in a Grand Tour was what I was looking for,” Kooij told official Corsa Rosa channels, “at the end of a difficult and unlucky week for our team. We were not sure we could catch the breakaway riders, but the team è committed. The guys put me in an ideal position. It was tough, but I really wanted this first win in a Grand Tour and I hope there will be many more in the future".

Nothing changes at the top of the general classification, where Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) remains firmly in command with 2'40" over Daniel Felipe Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe) and 2'58" over Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers). Pogacar è found himself in the top positions during the sprint, an attitude explained by the Slovenian himself: "I did not become a last man for the sprints, but I wanted to work for Molano. He did not win, but third place è a good result and I was happy to help a friend".

"I have a good lead before the first rest day,” added the dominator of the first week of Giro 2024. It's nice to spend it in Naples. We have already seen beautiful scenery since the start of the Giro. A little pizza will make it more enjoyable before resuming the race on Tuesday.