- As expected, Primoz Roglic drives to overall victory at the Giro d’Italia. The Slovenian doesn’t show any weakness against Geraint Thomas.
- Mark Cavendish secures the day’s victory in a bunch sprint in the last stage ahead of Alex Kirsch and Filippo Fiorelli.
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) crowned his consistent performance at the Giro d’Italia with overall victory. On the last stage, which started and ended in Rome, he held his pursuer Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) in check and lost no time.
Up until the 20th stage, it seemed unlikely that the Slovenian could claim overall victory. But thanks to an impressive performance in the time trial, Roglic became the first Slovenian to secure his first triumph on the prestigious tour.
Cavendish with the day’s win – heavy fall in the sprint
The decision to win the final stage was made in a mass sprint. Britain’s Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) kept the better end to win ahead of Luxembourg’s Alex Kirsch (Trek-Segafredo) and local hero Filippo Fiorelli (Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizane). At 38, Cavendish is the oldest winner of a stage at the Giro.
There were ugly scenes further down the field. Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) crashed heavily in the final sprint. The German lifted his wheel on the slippery cobblestones, which caused him to lose his balance and cause several riders to fall. Luckily, everyone who fell was able to cross the finish line on their own.
Thomas helped across the team
In order for Cavendish to be successful in the final stage, he not only required the help of his team: The Welshman Thomas from the Ineos Grenadiers team helped his British colleague shortly before the finish by taking the lead and thus launching the final sprint.
Cavendish had announced on the fringes of the tour that he would put his racing bike in the corner at the end of this season after four world championship titles and 17 years as a professional.