Roglic and Cavendish victorious
Primoz Roglic became the first Slovenian winner of the Giro d’Italia when he retained the overall lead after Sunday’s 21st and final stage in Rome, a day after he ousted Geraint Thomas from the maglia rosa in a dramatic time trial.
Roglic, 33, seized the pink jersey with a powerful performance in Saturday’s penultimate stage and finished Sunday’s ceremonial 126km flat route unscathed as Mark Cavendish won the stage in his final appearance at the Giro.
Jumbo Visma rider Roglic finished 14 seconds ahead of Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and one minute and 15 seconds before Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates in the overall standings to add a first Giro title to his three Vuelta triumphs from 2019-21.
“It will stay for the rest of my life,” Roglic said. “I really enjoyed riding through the streets of Rome, but I still didn’t manage to realise what it means to win the Giro d’Italia.
“I tried to contain my emotions after what happened yesterday. Every win is special and I’m grateful to be able to get this one.”
In 2020, Roglic lost the Tour de France title after giving up his lead and the overall race victory to compatriot Tadej Pogacar in a mountain time trial on the penultimate stage.
Cavendish, who will retire at the end of the season, avoided a crash in the final straight to clinch a sprint victory, earning his first victory for Astana Qazaqstan and a 17th career win at the Giro.
The 38-year-old was teed up by his teammates as well as fellow Briton Thomas as he claimed his first win of the season.
“I’m super happy,” said Cavendish, whose first Grand Tour stage win was at the 2008 Giro.
“To win here in Rome is incredible. That’s a bucket list sprint, to be able to win outside the Colosseum.
“My boys did incredible. My friends did incredible. It’s pretty emotional.”