Rome (Union)
Slovenian Tade Pogačar, cyclist for the Emirates Cycling Team, achieved an important victory and took the pink jersey in the second stage of the Giro da Italia, which extends over a 161 km track, from the starting point in San Francisco al Campo, all the way to the top of the European Hill, with a comfortable margin.
The Slovenian racer attacked from the front of the starting group, after 5 riders from the starting racers were neutralized in the first part of the final uphill road, 11.8 km long, with a gradual rise rate of 6.1%, which sparked a reaction from Ben O’Connor (Decatlon AG2R Team), Who was unable to keep up with the speed or dash of the UAE team captain, which forced him to stop following him.
Pogacar also continued to race at high speed to achieve a solo victory, while the main competitors gathered behind him and tried to close the gap. At the finish line, Tadei Pogacar was 27 seconds ahead of Daniel Martinez (who finished in second place – from Bora-Hansgrohe), as well as over Geraint Thomas. “Who finished in third place – from the Ineos Grenadiers team,” and Pogacar also received his first pink jersey.
It is noteworthy that the stage did not go smoothly for the talents of the UAE team, as 11 kilometers after reaching the foot of Europe Hill, Pogačar’s front tire suffered punctures, causing it to slide as he approached the right turn. Fortunately he was uninjured, and with quick help from his team car, Pogačar got a new bike and, with the support of his teammates, was able to catch up with the main group of riders.
Regarding the race, Pogacar said: “My dream of winning the Giro d’Italia and wearing the pink jersey for the first time has become a reality. Our team’s plan at this stage has succeeded perfectly, as it now leads the overall standings by a good margin, and we can look forward to future stages. I also feel excited to win, especially to honor Anniversary of the death of one of the youth team riders.
Starting from the third stage, Pogacar is scheduled to wear the pink jersey, leading the general classification by 45 seconds, ahead of Geraint Thomas in second place, and Daniel Martinez in third place. The third stage extends for a distance of 166 kilometers from Novara to Fussano along a route characterized by relative ease.
Pogacar’s victory represents the 31st success for the Emirates Team in 2024, and it is the first time in five years that an Emirates Team rider has worn the pink jersey, as the last time a Emirates Team rider wore this jersey was in the Giro da Italia in 2019 by Slovenian cyclist Jan. Polanc, at the end of stage 12 that started in Cuneo and ended in Pinerolo.
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