Jonas Vingegaard, first gush at Giro d'Italia on Blockhaus

The first uphill finish of the Giro d’Italia did not betray expectations: the general classification was called to give the first verdicts and the spectacle was not lacking. On the Blockhaus finish line came the first career success in the Corsa Rosa for Jonas Vingegaard: the Visma-Lease a Bike captain changed pace in the finale, breaking away from everyone and taking a splendid solo victory. On the other hand, Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain – Victorious) retains the Maglia Rosa, who was good at administering the advantage accumulated in the previous stages.

The first offensive of the day came by surprise from Jonathan Milan. The Lidl-Trek sprinter went on the attack to gain valuable points at the flying finish valid for the Cyclamen Jersey, a goal he achieved before getting back up. Also in the breakaway with him were Jardi Christiaan van der Lee (EF Education – EasyPost), Nickolas Zukowsky (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Tim Naberman (Team Picnic PostNL) and Diego Pablo Sevilla (Team Polti VisitMalta).

Behind the outriders, Bahrain-Victorious and Visma | Lease a Bike controlled the race without giving too much space to the attackers. van der Lee, Zukowsky and Sevilla were able to present themselves at the foot of the final climb still in the lead, but with the group now very close.

On the Blockhaus, Visma definitely took matters into its own hands: first Piganzoli’s forcing, then Sepp Kuss’s action paved the way for Vingegaard’s lunge. When the Dane accelerated, the only one able to follow him initially was Giulio Pellizzari. The young Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe talent tried to hold out against the two-time Tour de France winner, staying on his wheel for about a kilometer before paying for the effort and going into trouble.

In the finale Felix Gall came back with a top-notch climb, overtaking Pellizzari and finishing in second place, a dozen seconds behind Vingegaard. Behind them Jai Hindley ruled the small group including Pellizzari and Ben O’Connor, who finished just over a minute behind the winner. Seventh position for Giulio Ciccone, while the Maglia Rosa group with Eulálio crossed the finish line 2’55” behind.