Davide Ballerini wins the shameless spectator stage
The first Italian victory at the Giro 2026 bears the signature of Davide Ballerini: the XDS Astana Team rider won at the finish line of the sixth stage of the Corsa Rosa, which took riders from Paestum to Naples along a 141-kilometer route. Ballerini burned Belgian Jasper Stuyven and Frenchman Paul Magnier, both of Soudal-Quick Step, in the sprint, while in the general classification nothing has changed: Alfonso Eulalio, Portuguese of Bahrain Victorious, remains in pink with 2’51” over Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates) and 3’34” over Christian Scaroni, teammate of today’s stage winner.
To make headlines, however, it is portroppo not only the sporting aspect of today’s stage. A shameful episode, in fact, took place between the towns of Brusciano and Marigliano, just before the intermediate flying finish line: a young boy, at a traffic circle, in fact tried to bring down the cyclists launched at full speed by kicking them in the direction of the bicycles. The reprehensible gesture fortunately had no consequences, but it stands out for its dangerousness and absolute lack of respect for the athletes.
Even the official social profiles of the Giro d’Italia did not ignore what happened, immediately publishing a post to stigmatize the episode: “Respect the riders. Respect the race. Respect the Giro d’Italia,” it reads. “Fans, we love the fact that you are on the sides of the route. We love your enthusiasm, we love when you cheer on the runners, we love even when you dress up as flamingos. But there is a line not to be crossed. Don’t be like this guy.”
The Giro d’Italia continues Friday with a stage that could change the balance of the general classification: starting in Formia and finishing on the Blockhaus, with a 13.6-kilometer climb to the finish at an average gradient of 8.4 percent with peaks of 14 percent. The overall route is 244 kilometers and, in addition to the final climb, includes a mid-stage ascent to Roccaraso (6.9 km at an average gradient of 6.5 percent, with peaks of 12 percent).
