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Giro d'Italia stage 14 report
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Buongiorno and welcome to Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 15 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia!
Today has been described as the 2024 Giro d'Italia's hardest day. 222km and five categorised climbs along the way including the Mortirolo. Although, not the hardest side of the brutal climb. But this is a day of altitude and high gradients.
One DNS has been announced so far this morning. Astana Qazaqstan's Vadim Pronskiy. He has fallen ill and has had to leave.
🇮🇹 NEWS: @giroditalia Vadim Pronskiy got ill and will not be able to continue competing in #GirodItalia ☹️#AstanaQazaqstanTeam #GiroMay 19, 2024
The riders are at sign on at the moment with half an hour until the official start. The neutral will begin a bit earlier than that.
Will Soudal-QuickStep be at the front of the race today with the likes of Alaphilippe and, maybe, Hirt as he looks to return to the top 10 in GC after dropping to 13th yesterday.
This morning, Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) did a special delivery for his breakaway partner from his stage winning day, Mirco Maestri (PTK). He gave the Italian breakaway specialist a jersey signed by Alaphilippe. Nice touch by the former world champion.
A special delivery from @alafpolak1 for @mircomaestri9 before the start of today’s #Giro stage 🤩 pic.twitter.com/kDJrhlqQycMay 19, 2024
On the average time schedule for today, the stage is expected to take 5:30'00" with a likely 17% time cut, which would be tight for the Grupetto who are going to have a very tough day in the saddle.
The riders have started the neutral zone.
Jerseys:
Pink: Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates
Purple: Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl-Trek
Blue: Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates*
White: Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious
*Worn by: Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis
Geraint Thomas (IGD) before the stage:
"Certainly a tough day but the next few days are tough too... Just race the race and take an opportunity if it comes."
He's just had a bike change in the neutral.
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) has the biggest lead after stage 14 of the Giro d'Italia in 34 years. Gianni Bugno was the last rider to have a bigger lead by this point.
Just 10 teams out of the 22 here have a full compliment of riders as they head to the second rest day.
Ineos Grenadiers
Alpecin-Deceuninck
Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
Groupama-FDJ
Lidl-Trek
Movistar
Soudal-QuickStep
Polti-Kometa
UAE Team Emirates
VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane
The riders have been stopped at the kilometre zero banners. Bit frustrating for the riders who will just want to get going.
222km to go
We are racing! The flag is waved and the racing has begun on the Giro d'Italia 'Queen Stage' next to the beautiful Lake Garda. Hell awaits.
Attack
A big group launched from the off.
Lewis Askey (GFC) leads the move with Caleb Ewan (JAY) on his wheel. Italian national champion, Simone Velasco (AST), has made this move too.
Dani Martínez (BOH) is right at the back of the peloton after that standing start. He has no-one around him either.
Counter attack
Behind, there are several new moves. Mountains jersey, Simon Geschke (COF) involved. As is Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ).
The peloton looks a bit calmer now but a new move comes and it is Luke Plapp (JAY). But he has way too many riders following and it all comes back together.
Attack
More moves in the peloton and Andrea Piccolo (EFE) launches yet again.
The peloton looks to be a lot more settled now with 13 riders now up the road. The 12 man group leading and Piccolo (EFE) chasing solo. He has about +25" to bridge.
The break is largely made up of sprinters and lead out riders. No names that should be going for the win. However, riders like D. Bais (PTK), Calmejane (IWA), Tonelli (VBF) and Velasco (AST) will be dreaming they get given a huge gap by the peloton.
Attack
Back in the peloton the racing is not calm once again. Geschke (COF) trying to force a move as he will be desperate to get up the road so he can get as many KoM points as possible.
Cofidis are now riding on the front of the peloton with Thomas Champion leading Simon Geschke. They have Harrison Wood up the road but he is not the rider they want up there, as good as he is, they want Geschke. And, ideally, Ruben Fernandez.
Not only do Cofidis want Geschke in the break, they also want Calmejane (IWA) back as he is in the battle for blue...
KoM standings top 5:
1. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 104pts
2. Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis 59pts
3. Valentin Paret-Peintre (FRA) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale 55pts
4. Dani Martínez (COL) Bora-Hansgrohe 52pts
5. Lilian Calmejane (FRA) Intermarche-Wanty 32pts
Cofidis now have all but one rider on the front of the peloton. The other, Wood, is in the break and can't hear the team car. The young Brit just gestured to the camera to say he can't hear through his radio.
200km to go
The breakaway is working brilliantly and, even with Cofidis chasing behind, has pulled the gap out to +3'06"!
Caught
Andrea Piccolo (EFE). He just got away a bit too late, unfortunately for the Italian.
Meanwhile, up the road, Calmejane (IWA) is arguing with Wood (COF) about him not working. But, Wood has been told to stop riding to aid Geschke behind.
Rubén Fernández (COF) is sat on the wheel of Simon Geschke (COF) in the peloton. I think that they will do a joint move on the first climb of the day. That is around 8km away from the front of the race. The Lodrino climb.
Lilian Calmejane (IWA) is not happy at all with the situation. He has just shouted at the Astana Qazaqstan team car and now at some of the riders. He's on pins in this break as he probably knows he is the best climber here.
From what I heard, he was saying he doesn't have his radio and something or someone was "stupid".
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) has said that he wants to win the stage today as it will look amazing on his palmares according to the 'Pink Panther' himself.
Onto the first of five categorised climbs of the day. Lodrino is a Cat3 climb. A 7.6km climb with an average of 4.2%, maxing at 11%.
Calmejane (IWA) is absolutely incandescent with rage here. His team car has finally got to the front and he has given his DS both barrels.
190km to go
Cofidis still lead the peloton behind for Geschke as the time gap is at +3'45".
Attack
As I though, Rubén Fernández (COF) is on the move with Simon Geschke (COF). They have dragged a huge group with them.
Geschke (COF) now on his own, Fernández (COF) didn't last long at all. The German is gapping this new group led by Foss (IGD).
Others in this group, Valter (TVL), Lopez (LTK), Cepeda (EFE) plus about 15 others. But, UAE Team Emirates are chasing.
Alessandro Verre (ARK) has joined Simon Geschke (COF) as they continue to chase the leaders on the Lodrino climb.
It looks like Kaden Groves (ADC) has just gone on the attack. This is now suddenly dangerous for Lidl-Trek and Jonathan Milan.
De Marchi (JAY) has dragged a huge group across to Geschke (COF) and Verre (ARK) including Pelayo Sanchez (MOV).
Attack
Michael Storer (TUD) is on the move with a teammate. He sits in 12th place in GC at +9'11". He is just +15" off the top 10.
Nairo Quintana (MOV), Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) and Miachel Storer (TUD) are just behind the massive Geschke (COF) group who are just over two minutes down on the leaders.
What Calmejane (IWA) said to Astana and then to his team car, relayed on 'X' by Lukas...
Now Calmejane telling his own DS a o. "I don't take the points" if Cofidis stop chasing. This is not the drama I expected today, but I'm here for it! 🍿 #GirodItaliaMay 19, 2024
KoM
1. Laurence Pithie (NZL) Groupama-FDJ 9pts
2. Lilian Calmejane (FRA) Intermarche-Wanty 4pts
3. Harrison Wood (GBR) Cofidis 2pts
4. Tobias Bayer (AUT) Alpecin-Deceuninck 1pt
Just imagine how furious Calmejane (IWA) was when Pithie (GFC) blasted passed him.
180km to go
The Simon Geschke (COF) group is closing in on the leaders as the gap falls to +1'48". Almost +3'00" back to the peloton.
The race is in bits as the chasing group is fracturing. Back in the peloton, UAE Team Emirates are using Oliveira, Molano, Bjerg and Laengen early as Pogačar wants this stage.
170km to go
Polti-Kometa and Movistar have most of their riders in this chasing group. Really good showing by those two teams.
Onto the second climb of the day... The Colle San Zeno. 13.9km at an average of 6.6% with max kicks of 14% right at the end.
The best placed riders in the chase group are:
11th - Einer Rubio (MOV) +9'05"
12th - Michael Storer (TUD) +9'11"
Big moment for those two after losing time in the time trial yesterday.
Plapp (JAY) is trying to break the chasing group apart as he has attacked with Geschke (COF) leading the chase. This is stretching the chase group out.
Bert Van Lerberghe (SOQ) has been dropped by the lead group.
10 riders at the front. Two dropped from there and then 45 riders in the chase group. An incredible scene on the 'Queen Stage'.
After all that, Einer Rubio (MOV) is not in the chasing group! Contador on the motorbike said he was. Several sites online are saying he very much is. But, he is not. He is in the peloton.
Attack
Christian Scaroni (AST) and Mattia Bais (PTK) has launched from the chase group and Scaroni is gapping Bais already.
The Grupetto has been formed as Milan (LTK), Gaviria (MOV) and the rest start to go backwards.
Up at the front, Ewan (JAY) is just starting to lose contact but he is riding very well and has given himself a potentially crucial head start compared to the other sprinters in the race. 6km to the top of this climb.
Scaroni (AST) has been joined by the two young Italian super climbers... Piganzoli (PTK) and Pellizzari (VBF). They join Ewan (JAY) as they look to bridge across to the leaders.
This trio of Scaroni (AST), Piganzoli (PTK) and Pellizzari (PTK) are three extremely good riders for a stage like today. It would be a massive moment for all of them to take the win today. But, can they get away from the clutches of Tadej Pogačar (UAD. As it stands, the gap is nowhere near big enough.
160km to go
The leaders have +15" on the trio of Italians who are flying across this gap.
Pellizzari (VBF), Piganzoli (PTK) and Scaroni (AST) join the leading group. Behind them, Alpecin-Deceuninck lead the chasing group for Kaden Groves. This is going to be a massive day for him with Milan (LTK) well out of the back of the peloton, who are +4'00" down on the leaders.
1. Christian Scaroni (ITA) Astana Qazaqstan 18pts
2. Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis 8pts
3.Giulio Pellizzari (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 6pts
4. Tobias Bayer (AUT) Alpecin-Deceuninck 4pts
5. Davide Ballerini (ITA) Astana Qazaqstan 2pts
6. Alessandro Tonelli (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 1pt
The chase group has joined the leaders!
150km to go
Caleb Ewan (JAY) has made it over the top in the breakaway. A vital moment for him in the battle for survival today. Lilian Calmejane (IWA) was just in front of him as they were about 8 metres of so off the back as they went over the top. The Frenchman clearly suffering.
Over the top of that second climb of the day, UAE Team Emirates have a full compliment of riders with Tadej Pogačar. A very good start for them and the gap is still very easily closed on the coming climbs by the climbers in that team is the pink jersey does indeed want the win.
This descent is rather technical and, perhaps unsurprisingly, has seen a split with six riders off the front by around 25".
On the virtual GC, Michael Storer (TUD) will be moving up to 5th. His consistent riding could see the Australian climber... Well... Climb the GC and pull off a brilliant result for his team on their Grand Tour debut.
140km to go
Max Schachmann (BOH) is at the back of the chasing group who are now +1'11" back on the new leading group of six. The German appears to not be enjoying this tight and twisty road.
Front puncture
Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) in the breakaway. Neutral service gives him a new wheel.
About 45km to the intermediate sprint and around 70km to the base of the Mortirolo.
The race can now settle down a bit now as the riders are on a long valley road. Alaphilippe (SOQ) has been rather unlucky. No sign of his team car. He is all on his own as he tries to make it back to the break.
130km to go
The lead group of six have +1'33" on the massive chase group and then it is +4'52" from the front to the peloton. Jonathan Milan (LTK) has made it back to the peloton, by the way. Well ridden by him.
Bike change
Jonathan Milan (LTK)
He made it to the peloton but has now had to change his bike.
Bike change
Dani Martínez (BOH)
Once again, the rider third in GC is riding back to the peloton solo.
120km to go
The chasing group are doing a terrible job of working together and it is showing as the leading six have stretched the gap to 1'53".
Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) has made it back to the chasing group.
Two and a half hours into the stage and they are not even half way just yet.
Bike change
Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) has finally got the wheels he he is used to again.
This could be possibly working out perfectly for Giulio Pellizzari (VBF) and Christiab Scaroni (AST) but the peloton still have the break in their grasp.
Bike change
Another bike change for Dani Martínez (BOH). Something not right with the frame or the wheels or something in the set up for him. Not ideal.
100km to go
We are over half way! Around 10km to the intermediate sprint. The leaders have +1'56" on the chasing group and +4'53" on the UAE Team Emirates led peloton.
Davide Ballerini (AST) is doing a brilliant job for Christian Scaroni (AST) in the leading group.
Bjerg, Molano and Oliveira are absolutely hammering the pace in the peloton now for UAE Team Emirates. Pogačar may be +4'30" down at the moment but that could fall away on the Mortirolo and then the Passo di Foscagno and Mottolino.
The race is currently around the fastest time schedule at the moment. They were due at the Intermediate Sprint at 2pm Italian time and they are 700 metres from it now.
Polti-Kometa are riding hard in the chasing group for Davide Piganzoli now. Three riders on the front with him in the wheels.
1. Davide Ballerini (ITA) Astana Qazaqstan 12pts
2. Tobias Bayer (AUT) Alpecin-Deceuninck 8pts
3. Alessandro Tonelli (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 6pts
4. Christian Scaroni (ITA) Astana Qazaqstan 5pts
5. Giulio Pellizzari (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 4pts
6. Harrison Wood (GBR) Cofidis 3pts
7. Filippo Fiorelli (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 2pts
8. Kaden Groves (AUS) Alpecin-Deceuninck 1pt
VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane are working hard in the leading group but Tudor have joined Polti-Kometa in the chase group, too. Just +57" between the two groups.
We're not officially on the Mortirolo, but the race has been climbing for about 5km. Official start is 2km away yet.
Ballerini (AST) has been distanced by the lead group. He has played a vital role for his teammate, Scaroni (AST). Tonelli (VBF) now takes over the pacing. That then drops Bayer (ADC).
80km to go
The gap between the leaders and the chasers is at +51" with Tudor and Polti-Kometa still pushing hard behind.
We are officially climbing the Mortirolo! Wood (COF) is doing a wonderful job of holding onto his three breakaway companions at the front. The Mortirolo is officially 12.6km at an average of 7.6% with a max kick of 16%.
The Grupetto is now re-forming at the back of the peloton with Merlier (SOQ), Gaviria (MOV) and Dainese (TUD) the first sprinters to go out of the back.
Harrison Wood (COF) is finally distanced by Tonelli (VBF), Pellizzari (VBF) and Scaroni (AST).
Laengen (UAD) take over from Bjerg (UAD) who has done his last turn. Pogačar (UAD) still has Großschartner, Novak and Majka around him behind Ineos Grenadiers, who have five riders with Thomas (IGD).
Wood (COF) is back in the chasing group and he already has gels ready for Geschke (COF).
Attack
Christian Scaroni (AST) makes a move and that sees Alessandro Tonelli (VBF) dropped. Giulio Pellizzari (VBF) has stayed with him and is pulling through as they have 26" on the chasing group.
Unsurprisingly, after his crash yesterday, Magnus Sheffield (IGD) is at the back of the peloton that is led by Laengen (UAD).
And that is Sheffield (IGD) dropped. He has been a key man for Thomas (IGD) in this race so far, the crash yesterday has really put him in trouble.
Tonelli (VBF) has been caught by the Fabbro (PTK) led chasing group. He has Piganzoli (PTK) on his wheel, he may be launching soon as he only has Fabbro left.
Caleb Ewan (JAY) has been caught by the peloton and is slowly drifting to the back where he will likely get dropped. But he has done a brilliant ride today.
Stork (TUD), Fiorelli (VBF) and Marcellusi (VBF) have been caught by the peloton.
Groves (ADC) has now been caught by the peloton. Novak (UAD) has moved onto the wheel of Laengen (UAD).
70km to go
Alaphilippe (SOQ) moving up with Vansevenant (SOQ) on his wheel. 4km to the top for the two leaders and +57" back to the chasers.
Domen Novak (UAD) is now working on the front with Laengen (UAD).
Pellizzari (VBF) and Scaroni (AST) are now on the steepest part of the Mortirolo with 2km to the top.
Nicola Conci (ADC) and Simon Geschke (COF) have pushed on with Storer (TUD) leading the chase.
Conci (ADC) has distanced Geschke (COF) and is absolutely flying across the gap. Storer (TUD), Quintana (MOV) and Steinhauser (EFE) join the German.
Laengen (UAD) has slipped down the group on the steepest sections. Connor Swift (IGD) and Larry Warbasse (DAT) have been distanced from the peloton.
Conci (ADC) joins Pellizzari (VBF) and Scaroni (AST).
KoM
1. Christian Scaroni (ITA) Astana Qazaqstan 40pts
2. Giulio Pellizzari (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 18pts
3. Nicola Conci (ITA) Alpecin-Deceuninck 12pts
4. Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis 9pts
5. Michael Storer (AUS) Tudor 6pts
6. Davide PIganzoli (ITA) Polti-Kometa 4pts
7. Georg Steinhauser (GER) EF Eduaction-EasyPost 2pts
8. Nairo Quinatan (COL) Movistar 1pt
Bora-Hansgrohe move to the front with Giovanni Aleotti and Dani Martínez for the descent.
60km to go
The chasing group are now +21" back on the leading trio. It is +4'25" back to the Novak (UAD) led peloton. Bora-Hansgrohe have moved back in the pack as Martínez didn't follow Aleotti at the start of the descent.
The crowds were great on the Mortirolo.
Domenico Pozzovivo (VBF) is struggling to stay with the peloton on the descent. Just about hanging on for now.
50km to go
The break is all together for the first time since the top of the Colle San Zeno. The gap back to the peloton is at +4'35".
Vegard Stake Laengen (UAD) is back on the front of the peloton after working hard to get back to them to do more work.
Schachmann (BOH, Foss (IGD) and De Marchi (JAY) caught by the peloton.
The leaders are not working well together at all. So, Jhonatan Narvaez (IGD) and Simone Velasco (AST) try to get a gap.
Narvaez (IGD) and Veslasco (AST) were dragged back by Alaphilippe (SOQ) who is working for Vansevenant (SOQ).
40km to go
The gap between the leaders and the peloton is now +3'38". It is closing thanks to the tempo being set by UAE Team Emirates. Rather alarming for the other GC riders in the race as Pogačar (UAD) is looking up for a stage win.
Fabbro (PTK) and Tonelli (VBF) have been caught by the peloton.
Ghebreigzabhier (LTK) was sat at the back of the lead group. Pellizzari (VBF) wanted something from the car. Now both riders have been distanced. Bit frustrating for them. They may get back in.
Ghebreigzabhier (LTK) and Pellizzari (VBF) use the cars and do indeed get back into the lead group.
Pelayo Sanchez (MOV) has just been dropped by the lead group as they climb to the bonus sprint in Le Motte.
30km to go
Attack by Piganzoli (PTK). He is dragging Conci (ADC), Covili (VBF) and Steinhauser (EFE) following and the rest chasing.
Attack
Davide Piganzoli (PTK)
Georg Steinhauser (EFE)
The chasing is being left to Covili (VBF) in the chase group.
Piganzoli (PTK) and Steinhauser (EFE) have been joined by Valter (TVL), Conci (ADC) and Covili (VBF).
Behind that lead group is Narvaez (IGD), Storer (TUD), Quintana (MOV), Geschke (COF), Alaphilippe (SOQ) and Scaroni (AST).
Bonus Sprint
1. Attila Valter (HUN) Visma-Lease a Bike 3"
2. Nicola Conci (ITA) Alpecin-Deceuninck 2"
3. Davide Piganzoli (ITA) Polti-Kometa 1"
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) just chucked his mits to a Slovenian fan on the side of the road. Made his day. A lovely thing to do.
Only Filippo Ganna (IGD) and Thymen Arensman (IGD) left with Ineos Grenadiers. They have gone from having numerical advantage over UAE Team Emirates to now being on the back foot in that sense as Pogačar (UAD) has one more man than Thomas (IGD).
InterGiro
1. Davide Piganzoli (ITA) Polti-Kometa 12pts 3"
2. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Soudal-QuickStep 9pts 2"
3. Attila Valter (HUN) Visma-Lease a Bike 6pts 1"
4. Georg Steinhauser (GER) EF Education-EasyPost 5pts
5. Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar 4pts
6. Luca Covili (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane 3pts
7. Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis 2pts
8. Nicola Conci (ITA) Alpecin-Deceuninck 1pt
Onto the Passo di Foscagno. 14.6km long at an average of 6.5% maxing at 12%. The penultimate climb of the day.
The peloton is now absolutely tiny. Novak (UAD) has obliterated the bunch on that steep kick to the Bonus Sprint.
Attack
Georg Steinhauser (EFE)
The young German launches early with over 20km to go.
That is that from Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ). Another brilliant day out by Loulou.
Domen Novak (UAD) is done. The pacing has been taken over by Felix Großschartner (UAD).
Attack
Attila Valter (TVL)
He is trying to join Steinhauser but the Hungarian national champion is being dragged back.
20km to go
Steinhauser (EFE) has +34" on the chasing group that is now led by Storer (TUD) and Quintana (MOV). Now +3'10" back to the peloton.
Steinhauser (EFE) leads. Valter (TVL) immediately behind. Then it is Storer (TUD and Quintana (MOV). After them, Piganzoli (PTK), Conci (ADC), Covili (VBF) and Geschke (COF). Narvaez (IGD) the latest to lose touch.
Georg Steinhauser (EFE) now has a 49" gap on the next group. Storer (TUD) and Quintana (MOV) have just caught up with Valter (TVL).
Meanwhile, Ganna (IGD) has done his final bit for Thomas (IGD) in the peloton. Only Arensman (IGD) left for the Welshman.
Attack
Nairo Quintana (MOV)
He kicks clear of the others as the two chase groups come back together again.
Rafal Majka (UAD) hits the front of the peloton as Großschartner (UAD) has done his final turn. Pogačar (UAD) is getting ready to pounce. Arensman (IGD) and Thomas (IGD) ready on the wheel of the pink jersey.
The peloton has just caught the Juan Pedro Lopez (LTK) group including Jhonatan Narvaez (IGD) who is trying to help his leaders.
Nairo Quintana (MOV) is closing in on Georg Steinhauser (EFE). The former Giro winner is now at +30" from the young German.
Attack!
Tadej Pogačar (UAD)
That is that! Pogačar (UAD) goes.
Martínez (BOH) launches after him. He sees a possible chance. Decathlon-AG2R are now chasing as Thomas (IGD) could not follow.
Lorenzo Fortunato (AST) has been dropped. Seeing his GC dream disappearing.
Valentin Paret-Peintre (DAT) is working for Ben O'Connoer (DAT). Thomas (IGD) and Arensman (IGD) are still in the wheels. As is Zana (JAY), Hirt (SOQ), Bardet (DFP), Tiberi (TBV) and Rubio (MOV).
Quintana (MOV) catches Steinhauser (EFE).
Dani Martínez (BOH) has been caught by the favourites group as Pogačar (UAD) is riding away. He has already taken a minute on the leaders.
Pogačar (UAD) has caught Geschke (COF), Piganzoli (PTK), Valter (TVL), Storer (TUD and Covili (VBF).
Attack
Nairo Quintana (MOV)
He has dropped Steinhauser (EFE) with 3km to the top of the climb.
Pogačar (UAD) and his tag along Valter (TVL) have just flown passed Conci (ADC) like he was stood still. Valter (TVL) has also lost touch. Just +1'32" between the pink jersey and Quintana (MOV) at the front with 12km to go.
Damiano Caruso (TBV) has rejoined the GC group but can''t help TIberi (TBV) just yet. Thomas (IGD) and co are absolutely powerless to stop Pogačar (UAD).
10km to go
Pogačar (UAD) is now just +1'32" back on Quintana (MOV).
Attack
Romain Bardet (DFP)
The Frenchman has seen his opportunity as the GC group has given up. Caruso (TBV) is riding but hardly pushing at all. Majka (UAD) rejoins the group as Thomas (IGD) is slipping through the group.
Pogačar (UAD) can see Steinhauser (EFE) with 1km to the top of the climb. He is riding in the big ring!
Steinhauser (EFE) has been caught by Pogačar (UAD) as Quintana (MOV) goes over the top. Pogačar (UAD) is going to catch Quintana (MOV) before the finish.
Steinhauser (EFE) has been dropped byt the pink jersey. He is still well on course to a stage top three, though.
Pogačar (UAD) is just +39" down on Quintana (MOV).
5km to go
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) has 2'30" on the Thomas (IGD) group. Devastating for the fight in the race.
4km to go. Quintana (MOV) has +40" on Pogačar (UAD). Steinhauser (TVL) is +1'06" back on the leader. +3'05" to Thomas (IGD) and co.
Both Quintana (MOV) and Pogačar (UAD) are on the final kicker with a 40" gap between the two. A superstar from the past vs a megastar of the present.
3km to go. Quintana (MOV) has already lost 10" to Pogačar (UAD).
Pogačar (UAD) has Quintana (MOV) in sight. The hound has sight of the rabbit. The Colombian climber is going to be caught. I'm sure of it.
Attack
Einer Rubio (MOV) and Thymen Arensman (IGD). They are leaving the others behind here and they catch Piganzoli (PTK) and Geschke (COF).
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) has been untouchable today.
2km to go. Pogačar (UAD) catches Quintana (MOV).
Pogačar (UAD) immediately drops Quintana (MOV). Nothing the former Giro winner could do. He won this race 10 years ago. The baton has been passed to Pogačar (UAD). A new generation has demolished the old guard yet again.
Arensman (IGD) and Thomas (IGD) are riding hard. They still have Martinez (BOH), O'Connor (DAT) and Hirt (SOQ) in the group as Zana (JAY) is the next to be dropped. Rubio (MOV) catches Bardet (DFP).
Flamme Rouge
Tadej Pogačar (UAD) over three minutes on the other GC favourites.
O'Connor (DAT) starting to lose touch in the Thomas (IGD) group led by Arensman (IGD). Only Martinez (BOH) and Hirt (SOQ) can follow them.
Hirt (SOQ) now dropped with O'Connor (DAT). Arensman (IGD) is flying here as Tiberi (TBV) has disappeared out of the back by the looks.
500 metres to go for Pogačar (UAD).
Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates wins stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia 2024.
And, puts more than three minutes into the rest of the GC riders. With one week to go, the race is done. He just needs to follow from now on.
Nairo Quintana (MOV) puts in a brilliant ride and finishes in 2nd +30" down on the pink jersey.
Meanwhile, O'Connor (DAT) has got back to Arensman (IGD), Martinez (BOH) and Thomas (IGD). They still haven't caught Rubio (MOV) and Bardet (DFP) with the Frenchman still ahead of the Colombian.
Attack
Geraint Thomas (IGD)
Dani Martinez (BOH)
Steinhauser (EFE) takes third. Bardet (DFP) holds on for fourth with Martinez (BOH) and Thomas (IGD) staying together in fifth and sixth.
Pogačar (UAD) now has taken +3'01" on Thomas (IGD) and Martinez (BOH) today.
S15 top 10
1. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 6:11'41"
2. Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar +29"
3. Georg Steinhauser (GER) EF Education-EasyPost +2'32"
4. Romain Bardet (FRA) DSM-Firmenich-PostNL +2'48"
5. Daniel Martínez (COL) Bora-Hansgrohe +2'51"
6. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers S.T.
7. Einer Rubio (COL) Movistar +2'59"
8. Ben O'Connor (AUS) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale S.T.
9. Thymen Arensman (NED) Ineos Grenadiers +3'08"
10. Jan Hirt (CZE) Soudal-QuickStep +3'21"
GC at the end of week two
1. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 56:11'42"
2. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers +6'41"
3. Daniel Martínez (COL) Bora-Hansgrohe +6'56"
4. Ben O'Connor (AUS) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale +7'43"
5. Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious +9'26"
6. Thymen Arensman (NED) Ineos Grenadiers +9'45"
7. Romain Bardet (FRA) DSM-Firmenich-PostNL +10'49"
8. Filippo Zana (ITA) Jayco-AlUla +11'11"
9. Einer Rubio (COL) Movistar +12'13"
10. Jan Hirt (CZE) Soudal-QuickStep +13'11"
With first place seemingly done, the final week of racing in Italy (and partly in Switzerland) is all about these two. Geraint Thomas (IGD) looked good today, but, so did his main challenger for 2nd in GC, Dani Martínez (BOH). Just 15" between them.
Have a read of our post race report by clicking the link below...
Jerseys after two weeks of racing:
Pink: Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates
Purple: Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl-Trek, if he makes the time cut
Blue: Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates*
White: Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious
*Worn by: Simon Geschke (GER) Cofidis
That is that for week two at the Giro d'Italia and our live updates for today. Tadej Pogačar (UAD) has almost seven minutes on Geraint Thomas (IGD) and there is still one more week to go.
You'd like to say that anything can happen, but the race appears to be done and dusted.
Have a lovely rest of your weekend, enjoy the rest day and make sure to join us back, live, on Tuesday. Ciao!
