WorldTour
The Giro on the second rest day - an interim assessment
On the second rest day of the Giro d'Italia, the name says it all: the aim is to regenerate ailing bodies and prepare them for the new week.
The 2026 Giro is nine stages old. After the start in Bulgaria and the arrival in the south of Italy, the entourage fought its way northwards over the boot and has now arrived at the crest. The first hurdles for the classification riders have been overcome.
Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzarri, the two GC hopefuls from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, sold themselves well. Both were particularly convincing on the Blockhaus, the first mountain top finish of the race. Jai finished third at the site of one of his greatest successes, with Giulio crossing the finish line directly behind him. The course was set.
Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari
© Getty Images
Eight days on target were followed by a minor setback
The Australian-Italian duo have already delivered a total of four top 10 finishes. "The first eight days were really great and went according to plan," said Christian Pömer, Sports Director of the Giro team.
However, nine stages have already been completed in the course of the Giro. "Yesterday we had a small setback." Due to illness. On the second mountain stage of the Giro up to Corno alle Scale, the highest mountain in the Bolognese Apennines, Giulio was struggling with stomach problems. He lost time, but kept the damage within limits considering the circumstances.
Giulio Pellizzari in the jersey of the best young rider at the Giro
© Getty Images
Goals still within reach
Fourth place for Jai, ninth place for Giulio - that's the overall standings on the second rest day. "But we still have 65 per cent of the vertical metres ahead of us and a time trial," says DS Pömer. "So we're confident that it's still possible to achieve our two goals - an overall podium and a stage win. The team spirit is really excellent. That's why we believe that we can pick up where we left off over the next few days."
We are confident that we can still achieve our goals.
Immediately after the rest day, which is just right to allow time for a little recovery after an exhausting week, the time trial over a completely flat 42 kilometres awaits. The 11th stage also has its pitfalls, and the 14th stage next Saturday with the final mountain arrival in the ski resort of Pila is definitely relevant to the classics and one of the most difficult days of the entire tour.
