Simon Yates wins Giro d’Italia in stunning comeback
British cyclist Simon Yates claimed his first Giro d’Italia victory with a dramatic comeback after Stage XXI, which ended in a sprint win by his teammate, Dutchman Olav Kooij.
The Visma-Lease team rider, who had turned the race around a day earlier at Colle delle Finestre, finished 3 minutes and 56 seconds ahead of Mexican Isaac del Toro, and 4 minutes and 43 seconds ahead of Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz in the general classification, CE Report quotes ATA.
Even Pope Leo XIV gave his blessing to the cyclists, ahead of the final stage of the Giro d’Italia.
The Pope greeted the participants before the start of the 143-kilometer stage, which began in the Vatican to pay tribute to the new leader of the Catholic Church and bid farewell to Pope Francis before the race officially began.
Before riding through the Vatican, the "pink jersey" holder Simon Yates and other cyclists shook hands with the Pope, who in return received a pink jersey — traditionally worn by the race leader.
“Cycling is very important. Thank you for everything you do. I hope you always remember your role as a role model for others. You are always welcome here,” the Pope said.
