Insider
Jai Hindley returns Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe to Giro d’Italia podium
The Giro d’Italia – few Grand Tours have played a bigger role in shaping the team’s history. With Hindley securing third place in Rome, another chapter has been added to that story.
In 2022, the Australian claimed the Trofeo Senza Fine and delivered the team’s first-ever Grand Tour victory. Two years later, Dani Martínez finished runner-up. Now Hindley is back on the podium once again. In the span of five years, the team has stood on every step of the Giro d’Italia podium.
The 2026 Giro d’Italia was a race defined by consistency. Already on the first major summit finish at Blockhaus, it became clear who would shape the general classification battle. From the opening mountain stages, Jai Hindley established himself as one of the strongest climbers in the race. A picture that continued to repeat itself throughout the following weeks. Whether in Pila, Cari or Piancavallo, the key mountain stages consistently produced the same outcome.
Jai Hindley at the finish of the Giro d'Italia in Rome
© Getty Images
From the first mountain test to the last, Hindley remained one of the most consistent riders of this Giro d’Italia. Four years after his overall victory, he returns to the podium once again.
More than a podium
This result becomes even more significant when viewed against the challenges of the past three weeks. A wave of illness repeatedly forced the team to adapt its plans. Giulio Pellizzari in particular suffered several setbacks. Yet the young Italian remained in the race and put the team’s objectives ahead of his own ambitions. His effort on the queen stage became one of those moments that rarely appear in the results sheet, but often help determine the outcome of a Grand Tour.
No matter how hopeless the situation seems, there’s always a way out if the team supports each other so strongly and keeps the ship afloat.
As a result, this Giro d’Italia ends with more than just another podium finish. The race once again highlighted the qualities that have defined the team for years: patience, resilience and the mindset to fight together for a common goal over three demanding weeks.
By finishing third in Rome, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe also extends its Grand Tour streak. Over the last three seasons, the team has reached the overall podium of at least one Grand Tour every year – an achievement matched by only two other teams during that period.
Jai Hindley: "It’s incredibly difficult to achieve any kind of result in cycling these days. It’s been a while since I last stood on the podium at a Grand Tour, since I won the Giro. That’s why it’s something really special to have made it onto the podium here again, I'm proud. My relationship with the Giro is also special. It’s probably my favourite race."
Zak Dempster, Chief of Sports: "The whole team can be truly proud of what it has achieved, especially given the setbacks and challenges everyone had to face both on the ground and back home. The fact that Jai managed to weather the storm and draw on all his experience to simply fight his way through is something to be proud of. Admittedly, it was a Giro where we would have liked more in some respects, particularly when it comes to stage wins. At the same time, given the lads’ state of health, this is the lesson we’ve learnt: no matter how hopeless the situation seems, there’s always a way out if the team supports each other so strongly and keeps the ship afloat."
