2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 16 | Highlights

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Tadej Pogačar secured his fifth victory in his first participation in the Giro d’Italia by winning stage 16 from Laas to Santa Cristina Valgardena. The stage, shortened to 118.7 km due to bad weather conditions, saw Pogačar demonstrate his exceptional climbing prowess once again.

Pogačar triumphed at the summit finish, 16 seconds ahead of Giulio Pellizzari (VF Group-Bardiani) and Daniel Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe). The Slovenian managed to catch Pellizzari at -800 meters to the finish, Pellizzari being the sole survivor of a leading quartet that included Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step), Christian Scaroni (Astana), and Ewen Costiou (Arkea-B&B). With 400 meters to go, Pogačar dropped Pellizzari and secured another stage victory.

In the General Classification, Daniel Martinez remains in second place, 7’18” behind Pogačar, while Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) is third, 7’40” behind.

Reflecting on his win, Pogačar said, “The day started really on and off and we didn’t know what to do, but when we started it was fine. The breakaway went, and it was good for us, and we sat back and tried to relax but Movistar kept on pushing and kept the breakaway close and then they went really fast on the second last climb and then the final 2km we tried to control and then Rafał had enough. He said we push on, we try to make some gaps.

“Since yesterday, I was just thinking to be safe during the stage. In the end, it was good for us and also good for the people, good for everybody so I think we should be happy given the circumstances.”

The riders will face another challenging day in stage 17 (Selva di Valgardena to Passo Brocon, 159 km), featuring one 3rd category climb, two 2nd category climbs, and two 1st category climbs, including a summit finish.

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