Joao Almeida won the first difficult alpine stage of the 106th Giro d’Italia on Tuesday (05/23/2023). Lennard Kämna finished eleventh – and climbed up the overall rankings.
“I’m overjoyed, a dream come true”, said winner Almeida from Portugal. He improved to second place in the overall standings. “I don’t have the words to describe it.”
Kämna, on the other hand, finished eleventh at the top of the Monte Bondone, 1:20 minutes behind the winner of the day, Almeida. In the overall standings, however, Kämna climbed to sixth place, 3:20 minutes behind Geraint Thomas.
Briton Thomas had crossed the finish line in second behind Almeida, taking over the pink jersey from the overall leader again. Thomas had already ridden in pink for several days in the second week. Third was Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic, 25 seconds back.
Roglic can’t keep up the pace
On the 203-kilometer stage, the riders had to climb around 5,000 meters in altitude. However, the expected exchange of blows between the favorites only took place on the 21.6-kilometer final climb. With 8.5 kilometers to go, Almeida’s Team UAE increased the pace, only Roglic and Thomas were able to follow from among the contenders. A good four kilometers later, Roglic also had to let go, an unexpected weakness of the 33-year-old. Kämna reached the finish in the first larger group.
The 17th stage could be one for the sprinters
On Wednesday the sprinters will get their chance again. The first half of the 197-kilometer stage from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle is almost entirely downhill and has no obstacles overall. Pascal Ackermann from the Palatinate will try to get his second win at this year’s Giro.
| stage/date | length | Start and finish location |
|---|---|---|
1st stage – 06.05.2023 | 19.6 km | Fossacesia-Ortona (time trial) |
Stage 2 – 05/07/2023 | 201 km | Teramo-San Salvo |
Stage 3 – 05/08/2023 | 216 km | Vasto-Melfi |
Stage 4 – 05/09/2023 | 175 km | Venosa-Lake Laceno |
Stage 5 – 05/10/2023 | 171 km | Atripalda-Salerno |
Stage 6 – 05/11/2023 | 162 km | Naples – Naples |
Stage 7 – 05/12/2023 | 218 km | Capua-Gran Sasso d’Italia (mountain arrival) |
Stage 8 – 05/13/2023 | 207 km | Terni-Fossombrone |
Stage 9 – 05/14/2023 | 35 km | Savignano sul Rubicone – Cesena (time trial) |
Rest day – 05/15/2023 | ||
Stage 10 – 05/16/2023 | 196 km | Scandiano-Viareggio |
Stage 11 – 05/17/2023 | 219 km | Camaiore-Tortona |
Stage 12 – 05/18/2023 | 179 km | Bra-Rivoli |
Stage 13 – 05/19/2023 | 207 km | Borgofranco d’Ivrea – Crans Montana (mountain arrival) |
Stage 14 – 05/20/2023 | 193 km | Sierre-Cassano Magnago |
Stage 15 – 05/21/2023 | 195 km | Seregno-Bergamo |
Rest day – 05/22/2023 | ||
Stage 16 – 05/23/2023 | 203 km | Sabbio Chiese-Monte Bondone (mountain arrival) |
Stage 17 – 05/24/2023 | 195 km | Pergine Valsugana – Caorle |
Stage 18 – 05/25/2023 | 161 km | Oderzo-Val di Zoldo (mountain arrival) |
Stage 19 – 05/26/2023 | 183 km | Longarone – Tre Cime Lavaredo (mountain arrival) |
Stage 20 – 05/27/2023 | 18.6 km | Tarvisio-Monte Lussari Tudorg (time trial) |
Stage 21 – 05/28/2023 | 135 km | Rome – Rome |