A stage as magnificent as Friday’s at the Giro d’Italia — framed by the breathtaking Dolomite landscapes, capable of astonishing whether you have seen them once, a thousand times, or never at all — deserved a rider of stature to claim victory. That rider was Sepp Kuss, the winner of the 2023 Vuelta a España. Today, the American climber finally etched his name into all three Grand Tours, conquering summit finishes across cycling’s greatest races.
Truth be told, the rider from Durango, Colorado delivered a flawless performance, spending energy only when necessary and remaining detached from the relentless skirmishes unfolding in the breakaway. The front group splintered countless times and regrouped just as often, yet one rider remained ever-present in the chaos: one of the emotional leaders of this Corsa Rosa and, from today onward, the undisputed wearer of the Maglia Azzurra — Giulio Ciccone.
The Italian attacked relentlessly, even reacting to every acceleration from Einer Rubio (Movistar Team), his rival for mountain points, as he linked climb after climb in pursuit of supremacy. Only the Passo Falzarego escaped him. Frustrated after cresting second, Ciccone launched an aggressive descent, opening a gap that swelled beyond one minute on the opening ramps of the previously uncharted Piani di Pezzè (Alleghe), making their Giro debut in emphatic fashion during a day of truly epic racing.
Behind, Visma | Lease a Bike remained calm, reassured by having Kuss up the road. In truth, it was rival teams who showed greater urgency, as the real battle appeared to centre on the podium places. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale first raised the pace on the Falzarego, delivering an early blow to Thymen Arensman, who eventually cracked on the final ascent. Giulio Pellizzari — dropped earlier from the breakaway he had hoped would reignite his Giro — delivered the decisive acceleration that distanced the Dutchman, allowing Jai Hindley to move provisionally into third overall behind Jonas Vingegaard and Felix Gall.
Ultimately, the Austrian launched a move that reflected the full strength of his diesel engine, yet Jonas Vingegaard responded with striking ease. On that front — the battle for the Maglia Rosa — matters appear firmly under control. Yet this is the Giro d’Italia: until Piancavallo is conquered, Rome remains distant.
The rider who did reach the summit of his ambitions was Kuss. Waiting just 500 metres from the finish line stood his beloved mother. “I spend many months away from home,” he reflected, “and my affection and gratitude go to all of them, because achievements like this require enormous sacrifice.” His American family, his adopted Catalan family, and the cycling world alike can all celebrate — because on this day, victory belonged to a true gentleman of the mountains.
