Jonas Vingegaard grants encore at Corno alle Scale and books pink jersey
The first week of the Giro d’Italia 2026 ends with the spectacular uphill finish at Corno alle Scale. Still taking the stage is Jonas Vingegaard, authentic master of the Pink Race: the Danish rider of Visma-Lease a Bike also conquers solo the ninth stage, centering his second personal success in this edition. On the other hand, Afonso Eulálio remains in the Maglia Rosa, while Giulio Pellizzari lives a very complicated day, losing precious ground in the standings.
The stage was lit up from the early stages, with numerous breakaway attempts before the formation of the right small group. However, the peloton kept the attackers under control at all times, not conceding more than a two-minute lead. Then, on the climb of Monte della Capanna, a new offensive started: Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), Diego Ulissi (XDS Astana Team) and Toon Aerts (Lotto Intermarché) stretched out from the main group, managing shortly after to get back on the outriders.
On the Querciola GPM, the race was further selected thanks to the sprints of Ciccone, Ulissi, Rubio, Aerts and Milesi. Ahead of the final climb, only Ciccone and Rubio remained in front, while behind them first Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale and then Visma | Lease a Bike increased the pace and quickly reduced the gap. Ciccone attempted solo action, but the forcing of the top group nullified any attempt. Meanwhile, for Italy, bad news came from Giulio Pellizzari, who was immediately in trouble on the first ramps of the final climb.
Once the escapees were caught, Visma launched the decisive attack with Felix Gall and Jonas Vingegaard. With about 700 meters to go, the Dane changed pace, breaking away from the Austrian and sprinting to victory with a 12-second margin. Behind the two closed with an excellent third place Davide Piganzoli, Vingegaard’s teammate, at 34 seconds. Completing the top five were Thymen Arensman (Netcompany INEOS) and Maglia Rosa Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious), who did well to defend his overall lead. Heavier, however, is the balance for Pellizzari, who pays 1’28” from the best.
