Cycling: Tadej Pogacar clinched his fourth day's victory in this year's Giro d'Italia on the 15th stage. The Slovenian has already made a preliminary decision. The two German breakaways Simon Geschke and Georg Steinhauser also presented themselves strongly today.
Pogacar can't stop the height either
If there was a stage in this year's Giro d'Italia where there was a slump of Tadej pogacar (UAE) had been possible, then it was probably today's. But the Slovenian has once again impressively proven that he doesn't seem to have any weaknesses at the moment. After 222 kilometers from Manerba del Garda to Livigno, he won his fourth stage of the 2024 Tour of Italy in the Mottolino ski area. Only shortly before the finish did Pogacar join the previous leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar). For a moment, the German fans were also able to benefit from a magnificent coup George Steinhauser (EF Education – EasyPost) dream. In the end, the son of ex-professional Tobias Steinhauser came in strong third place. In the fight for second place in the overall standings, there were no big gaps. Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and Daniel Martinez (Bora – hansgrohe) even crossed the finish line at the same time.
Geschke is fighting for the mountain jersey
Represented was allowed Simon Geschke (Cofidis) will carry the blue jersey on his shoulders again today. The German didn't want to give up the fight for the mountains classification, even if he was leader Tadej pogacar (UAE) is difficult to catch up with. Geschke was also in the breakaway group that day, even though he initially missed the jump to the front. However, his team's follow-up work ensured that he and other drivers were still able to catch up. Ultimately, no fewer than 58 men were found in the escape group. Among other things were there Maximilian schachmann (Bora – hansgrohe), George Steinhauser (EF Education – EasyPost), Juan Pedro Lopez placeholder image (Lidl-Trek), Nairo Quintana (movistar), Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal – Quick Step), Luke Plop (Jayco-AlUla) and Michael Storer (Tudor). The mountain classification on Colle San Zeno was secured Christian Scaroni (Astana).
Steinhauser dares to go solo
On the descent from Colle San Zeno and up the Passo del Mortirolo, the huge breakaway group fell apart into its individual parts. The maximum mountain points were also secured here Christian Scaroni (Astana). The Italian has thus made clear claims to the mountain jersey. However, on the descent the pace dropped and the group grew larger again. The lead over the peloton fell to under four minutes. After the sprint classifications in Le Motte and Isolaccia-Valdidentro it broke away George Steinhauser (EF Education – EasyPost) from his companions. The pursuers did not agree. And drove in the peloton Felix Grossschartner (UAE) initially at a leisurely pace. Only when Rafal Mayka (UAE) took command around 17 kilometers from the finish, things got a little faster again. But Steinhauser still had a lead of around 3:30 minutes.
Pogacar decides the Giro d'Italia
The German fans are there too George Steinhauser (EF Education – EasyPost) was more excited than he seemed to be Nairo Quintana (Movistar) was on his heels. But then sat down Tadej pogacar (UAE) launched his attack 15 kilometers from the finish – and put an end to all hopes. The Slovenian gradually picked up the riders from the former breakaway group and left them standing without compromise. He is celebrating his fourth stage victory in this year's Giro d'Italia - and can therefore feel like an almost certain winner on the second rest day, even if there are still a few stages to complete. Behind the man in pink, the fight for second place in the overall standings began.
#replay / #GirodItalia
Revive the attack of Tadej Pogacar (UAD)! Personne n'a pu suivre le Slovène en route vers la victoire. pic.twitter.com/hKZfmbd7gw— Renaud Breban (@RenaudB31) May 19, 2024