Piganzoli holds his own with the best in the first major uphill finish of the Giro: 16th in Prati di Tivo

The first major mountain finish of the Giro d’Italia showcases Davide Piganzoli’s quality. In the eighth stage that starts from Umbria to go to Abruzzo and then up to Prati di Tivo after also climbing the Forca Capistrello and Croce Abbio, the pink jersey Pogacar and UAE on the long concluding ascent lead the chase to the strong breakaway of the day: there the young climber of Team Polti Kometa holds on until crossing the finish line in 16th position, leading a group with Lutsenko, Zana and Bardet.

Tomorrow the Corsa Rosa smiles again to the sprinters, who nonetheless have to endure on some tiny climbs to Naples: there will be 214 kilometers in Central-Southern Italy to close the first challenging week.

Here a mix of photos by Maurizio Borserini and Sprint Cycling Agency

Piganzoli: “There was a lot of intensity right from the start and at the foot of the final climb we were already reduced to about fifty riders, as we climbed I adjusted my pace based on the leaders and the legs I felt I had.”

Sports director Stefano Zanatta: “We were lively right from the start, especially with Mattia Bais, then everyone managed their strengths by giving their best on the first real mountains of this Giro.”