The Pirate Pogacar wins in Oropa and rules the Giro

A gigantic banner was displayed on a bridge, less than 3 km from the Oropa Sanctuary. Right there, as at different points throughout the stage, the yellow of Mercatone Uno invaded the Giro. “Our emotion per semper”, It could be read next to the imposing vertical image that paid tribute to the king of Oropa. His mountain, his territory. The genuine Marco Pantani. Goosebumps. 25 years later, who is called to succeed his legendary Giro and Tour de France double in the same season, paid the best possible tribute to his figure.

In that mix of emotions, epic and nostalgia, the figure of the best cyclist in the world emerged, Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian achieved what everyone knew and what no one could prevent: his incontestable victory in Oropa, in the Montagna Pantani. An attack 4.5 km from the finish line was enough for Pogi signed the first victory of his career in the Italian round, put on the pink jersey for the first time and, as a culmination, Enter the club of runners with victories in the three grand tours (11 in the Tour, 3 in La Vuelta and this one in the Giro). From Pantani to Pogacar. From legend to legend.

The picturesque Pietro Francone Velodrome It was the starting point for the second stage. “Clueaard!” Several runners who faced that lap at the neutralized start at the top of the track could be heard laughing. Very early a breakaway of five runners, with full Italian representation: Christian Scaroni (Astana), Davide Bais (Polti-Kometa), Filippo Fiorelli and Martin Marcellusi (Bardiani) and Andrea Piccolo (EF Education). The latter, just 1:07 behind the leader Narváez, got to enjoy the virtual leadership for much of the day, although his income and that of his fellow adventurers at the head of the race never worried the interests of the favorites. Everything under control.

After two hours of flat terrain at an average of over 45 km/h, the decisive section of the stage was reached. Three almost consecutive ports, yes, but the first two were a mere antipasti of an outcome that could practically be classified as a single port. The real battle would come in Oropa (11.8 km at 6.2%). Although there were some areas with ramps of up to 13%, the climb had numerous landings, although overall it would be demanding enough to see differences between the men in the general classification. And there were…

As clouds gathered over Oropa and its surroundings, Ineos put the machinery to work. On block. Ahead, Piccolo was rushing his options, but he was within range. And then, it happened… Just Before the start of the climb, Pogacar suffered a puncture in his front wheel that caused him to fall slightly. Very close to there, 25 years ago, Pantani’s chain came off, triggering his feat. Journey to the past. He gave up just over half a minute, but between Ineos not wanting to draw blood and the quick help of two teammates, the Slovenian quickly returned to the main group. Life spent.

The UAE took the lead. This time yes, in perfect execution. Bjerg separated the wheat from the chaff, Majka He lit the fuse and Pogacar exploded. It may not have been his most sustained attack, nor the most brutal acceleration in his extensive catalogue, but he didn’t need it. O’Connor was the only mortal who managed to follow his wheel, but only 200 meters. From there, temporizing the rhythm, regulating the effort, Pogi He triumphantly entered the goal of the Sanctuary, to the delirium of the crowd. The planned script was fulfilled, and nothing and no one could prevent it. The ‘Pogacar Pirate’ it’s already him hood of the Giro.

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