Giro d’Italia 2024: Stages 1-4 – Time Trial Kickoff, Undulating Terrain, and a Breakaway Victory (May 7th)
Giro d’Italia 2024: Time Trial, Climbs & Ganna in Pink (Stages 1-4)
The Giro d’Italia has seen the first three stages come to a close, showcasing the race’s diverse landscapes and testing the peloton’s strengths. From Filippo Ganna’s dominant time trial to Tadej Pogačar’s impressive uphill victory, the battles for the Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey) and stage wins have begun! Stay tuned for updates and Giro d’Italia odds as the race unfolds!
The 107th edition of the Giro d’Italia has seen the peloton tackle the first three stages, showcasing the race’s diverse landscapes and testing the riders’ strengths.
Stage 1: A Flat Time Trial in Fossano (May 4th)
- Distance: 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles)
- Terrain: Flat and fast
Stage 1 was a pure power and efficiency test, perfect for time trial specialists. Riders raced against the clock on a flat 8.6 km course in Fossano.
| Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Filippo Ganna (ITA) | INEOS Grenadiers | 10:02.54 |
| Remco Evenepoel (BEL) | Soudal Quick-Step | + 12.48 |
| Rohan Dennis (AUS) | Jumbo-Visma | + 14.92 |
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) lived up to his title of reigning Time Trial World Champion, dominating the stage with a blistering time of 10:02.54.
This performance secured him not only the stage win but also the prestigious Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey) as the leader of the General Classification (GC).
Stage 2: Undulating Terrain from San Francesco al Campo to Santuario di Oropa (May 5th)
- Distance: 173 kilometers (107.5 miles)
- Terrain: Undulating with a challenging uphill finish
Stage 2 presented a stark contrast to the opening time trial. The 173 km route featured rolling hills throughout, culminating in a demanding uphill finish at the Santuario di Oropa, a renowned pilgrimage site.
Breakaway specialists and climbers battled on Stage 2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE) launched a late attack, conquering the final climb and echoing Pantani’s legacy. Ganna kept the Maglia Rosa, but Pogačar’s win sent a message to GC contenders.
Stage 3: A Mostly Flat Stage from Novara to Fossano (May 6th)
Distance: 190 kilometers (118 miles)
Terrain: Mostly flat with a few rolling hills
Stage 3 provided a breather for the peloton after the challenging Stage 2. The 190 km route was predominantly flat with a few rolling hills, making it suitable for a potential sprint finish.
A breakaway group attempted to challenge the peloton, but their efforts were ultimately neutralized. The stage concluded in a bunch sprint, with Fernando Gaviria (Movistar Team) showcasing his impressive finishing skills to claim the stage victory. Ganna maintained his lead in the GC, holding onto the Maglia Rosa for another day.
Stage 4: A Mostly Flat Stage from Acqui Terme to Andora (May 7th)
- Distance: 181 kilometers (112.5 miles)
Stage 4 presented another opportunity for sprinters. The mostly flat 181 km route offered a chance for teams to strategize for a potential bunch sprint finish.
Looking Ahead:
The Giro d’Italia continues to unfold, with the peloton set to face a variety of challenges in the upcoming stages. From demanding climbs to technical descents, the riders will need to adapt and strategize to stay in contention for the coveted Maglia Rosa.
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