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Kirsten Frattini

'Close the book and go for the next one' - From stage wins and the pink jersey to breakaways and crashes, inside XDS Astana's up and down Giro d'Italia

Christian Scaroni XDS Astana Davide Ballerini Giro Cyclingnews Diego Ulissi Alberto Bettiol Jhonatan Narváez
CHIAVARI, ITALY - MAY 20: Christian Scaroni of Italy and Team XDS Astana crosses the finish line during the 109th Giro d'Italia 2026, Stage 11 a 195km stage from Porcari to Chiavari / #UCIWT / on May 20, 2026 in Chiavari, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images).

XDS Astana came into this Giro d'Italia with one goal, and one goal only; to win as many stages as possible. Not spending energy on supporting a general classification contender has been successful with two stage wins and even a stint in the maglia rosa.

In keeping with a reputation as being one of the most unpredictable of the three Grand Tours, the Giro seemed to provide a roll of success for the team, then it came crashing down on stage 11 when Davide Ballerini crashed just 46km into the 195km stage from Porcari to Chiavari.

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