Stage 19 of this year’s Giro ran between Biella and Champoluc. Over the course of the 166-kilometer stage, riders faced four categorised climbs, totaling nearly 5000 metres of elevation.  

Following the start, a fierce battle unfolded for a spot in the early breakaway. Eventually, four riders - including Bart Lemmen - managed to establish a lead. They were later joined by a larger chase group that included Edoardo Affini and Wout van Aert. The large front group gradually thinned out as the stage progressed.  

On the penultimate climb of the day, the Col de Joux, Lemmen had to drop from the front. However, the Dutchman still proved valuable in the group of favourites, where he briefly led the pace in support of his teammate Yates. The Brit, riding for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, reacted sharply to an attack from Carapaz on the Col de Joux. The GC contenders reached the foot of the final climb to Antagnod together. Prodhomme’s stage win remained uncontested.  

On the climb to Antagnod, Carapaz launched another acceleration, bringing overall leader Del Toro with him. The pair rode together toward the finish in Champoluc. The chasing group, including Yates, crossed the line 24 seconds after the South American duo. In the general classification, Yates remains in third place, now trailing Del Toro by 1’21” and Carapaz by 38”.  

“We rode strongly as a team,” reflected sports director Marc Reef. “Simon looked good along the way, but in the end, he had to concede half a minute on the final climb. Tomorrow brings another tough challenge, including the steep Colle delle Finestre. There’s still a lot to play for. We’re looking forward to that decisive stage and we will go all out for the best possible result.”