Soudal Quick-Step was again prominent in the breakaway, as the bunch took on one of the hardest days of this year’s race.
The first multi-mountain stage of this Corsa Rosa had the stunning Valle d’Aosta as setting. Five classified climbs and more than 4200 vertical meters were packed in the 133 kilometers of this leg that started from Aosta - the ancient Augusta Praetoria, once known as the “Rome of the Alps” - and Pila, which returned as a finish for the first time since 1992.
Gianmarco Garofoli carried the flag for Soudal Quick-Step on this relentless stage 14 after booking a place in the breakaway for the third time this Giro d’Italia. Runner-up at the Giro di Sardegna earlier this season, the 23-year-old from Ancona was among the most active in the 15-man group that escaped the peloton’s clutches on the first ascent of the day, and remained at the front of the race until the last ten kilometers.
More than 16 kilometers in length and averaging 7.1%, Pila put an end to any hopes the escapees still had, as the favorites’ group came at a different speed, overhauling the attackers with plenty of kilometers left until the top of the climb. Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) was victorious at the top, while Gianmarco once again concluded the day as the highest-ranked Soudal Quick-Step rider.
“Today was one of the hardest stages of this Giro. I did my best to be in the break, but the peloton kept us on a tight leash. We kept fighting, but the bunch had other plans, as everyone could see, and reeled us in on the climb. Next week there should be some other opportunities for me, but until then, we’ll focus on Sunday and on helping Paul in the sprint”, Gianmarco said after the stage.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
