STELVIO PASS – Staune-Mittet and Faure Prost exit the final corner side by side, the road rising beneath their wheels and pushing them back. The Norwegian is at full speed, as is the Frenchman from Circus-ReUzThe Jumbo-Visma Development rider wins, erupting in a liberating roar that echoes off the mountain walls. The Stelvio Pass has confirmed itself as the King of this Giro Next Gen and with its 36 hairpin bends it looked everyone in the eye, spitting out sentences.
Immediately after arrival Johannes Staune-Mittet fight with the rollers before doing a cool down, from the face it almost seems that the most difficult part of the day is thisHe gets on his bike and pedals, wraps up and pedals again. At 2.758 meters, it's cold and the wind is unforgiving.
New leader
Winning the stage and jersey combination on the Stelvio is something to remember, a source of pride. Staune-Mittet realizes it little by little, between one pedal stroke and another, while thanking his teammates and staff.
"I'm very happy," he says with a never-ending smile. we had a very positive first part of the Giro, We stayed united and out of harm's way. Italy is a country I really like, there's a great passion for cycling, and wearing the pink jersey is fantastic. I've been racing a lot here since the beginning of the season. first Coppi and Bartali and then Belvedere e recitoIt's not my first time at these altitudes, last year at the Tour de l'Avenir we raced on Iseran and Col de la MadeleineI also attended many training camps at high altitude where I learned how to manage certain situations."
“The Stelvio is a legendary climb,” he concludes. “Winning here is something exceptional, it’s a day I’ll never forget. Winning the pink jersey as well made this stage truly legendary.».
Faure Prost believes in it
The French of Circus-ReUz He gave the first answers, before this stage everyone was wondering how he would react to the Stelvio. Second place and the white jersey for best young rider, a great way to get everyone to agree.His team took the lead from the first kilometers of the climb and set the pace.
«I was fine and I believed in it – he explains Faure Prost Sitting in the mixed zone, I asked my teammates to work because today was a crucial stage. Perhaps the most important of the Giro. It was the first time I fought with Staune-MittetSince the morning meeting, we knew he was the man to beat. He's very strong and he won today, but I also had a good feeling. Now I'm wearing the white jersey, I've shown that I'm fine and I'm not satisfied, I'll aim for the pink oneThe next stages will be crucial, Saturday's will give us a great opportunity."
Martinelli's grit
Alessio Martinelli stops at the top, lies down and struggles to get up again, Green Project-Bardiani masseurs must support itHe doubles over and breathes heavily, then grabs his right leg and pulls it, the cramps biting.
«I gave it all – he says once he gets up – I couldn't give up, today was the home stageI had so many people on the path cheering me on, I really pushed myself beyond my limitsAt the first roadhouse, 14 kilometers from the finish, the group picked up the pace, and I struggled a bit. But I knew the climb would be flat, so I gritted my teeth. I preferred to go at my own paceEven when I dropped back a second time, I didn't panic. Seeing the leading group ahead of me helped me stay confident. It was the right choice, in the end I even managed to finish fourth. and win the jersey of best Italian."
