The peloton set sail for Sicily and an appointment with Etna, then high tailed it to the mainland for a trip around the arch of the Italian of the boot. What racing, what joyous winners, what polemics, what scenery, and all taking place in a sea of pinkness. Missed any of the stages? They’re all here in one rollicking ride through stages 4 to 9.
Stage 4
A block headwind on the slopes of Mount Etna might have cancelled the anticipated GC eruption [yep, we’re squeezing in one last volcanic pun] but it didn’t spoil the party for UAE Emirates breakaway winner Jan Polanc. Quickstepper Bob Jungels assumed rocking the maglia rosa for the first time this Giro. Bahrain Merida had Javier Moreno DQd for a pushing incident.
Stage 5
The Shark of Messina’s triumphant ride into his hometown was enlivened no end by his young teammate Luka Pibernik who sailed over the line in full victory salute – 6km too early. When the finish proper came no one could stop Quick Step Floor’s Fernando Gaviria from making it two wins from five.
Stage 6
The stage screamed breakaway and five strong men delivered. BMC’s Silvan Dillier obviously hadn’t read the memo that Trek’s Jasper Stuyven was favourite on the uphill stinger and took a superb victory. What a ding-dong of a battle, oh and watch out for Mads Pederesen putting the DUDE into #YoungDude.
Stage 7
The snoozeville stage that had us all reaching for the double expressos ended in a sizzler of sprint, and a first win for Orica Scott’s Caleb Ewan. Not only was it a damn fine sprint where first to the last corner counted for everything, but it was also truly a beautiful finish town.
Stage 8
THE BEST STAGE OF THE GIRO SO FAR!! It gave us everything we love about this race. Stunning scenery, breakaway madness, high drama, and a finish to die for. Movistar’s Gorka Izaguirre grabbed his first GT win and Bob Jungels is still pretty in pink. That’s all I’m writing, seriously just watch it and ENJOY!
Stage 9
Blockhaus loomed on the horizon and boy did it produce the mountain-top finish we hoped for. Nairo Quintana danced to stage victory and into pink. FDJ’s Thibaut Pinot and Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) rode onto the podium to sit within 30secs. Another motorbike incident that should never have happened left Team Sky, Orica’s Adam Yates and many other riders on the tarmac, and out of contention.
Our review is here
The Giro is not just for the racing
There are many reasons we love the Giro and it’s not all to do with the racing.
#FoodToDreamAbout
Eurosport commentator Jonathan Harris-Bass produces a recipe for each stage of the Giro. Something unique from the area that the race travels through. They really are a joy to follow along with. Give him a follow on Twitter and give free rein to your inner Italian in the kitchen.
#SceneryToSighOver
Embed from Getty ImagesCook along with the Giro
Header image: PINK ©Tim de Waele/Corbis via Getty Images