2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 20 | Highlights

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Tadej Pogačar delivered another masterclass performance, securing his sixth stage win in the 2024 Giro d’Italia with a commanding solo victory on the iconic Monte Grappa climb. With just 125 kilometers remaining until the final stage, Pogačar’s dominant display from Alpago to Bassano del Grappa has virtually guaranteed his overall victory in this year’s Corsa Rosa.

The Slovenian superstar attacked with 36.1 kilometers to go, 5.4 kilometers from the summit of the final KOM, after his team set him up perfectly. Pogačar swiftly distanced the other general classification contenders and caught Giulio Pellizzari (VP Group-Bardiani). He then went solo, cresting the climb and powering through the descent to the finish line with a margin of 2’07” over a chasing group led by Valentin Paret-Peintre (Decathlon AG2R).

This victory marks the 76th of Pogačar’s illustrious career and his 37th this season, further solidifying his status as one of cycling’s all-time greats. UAE Team Emirates also celebrated their 37th victory of the season, underscoring their dominance in the sport.

In the general classification, Pogačar now holds a commanding lead of 9’56” over Daniel Martinez (Bora-hansgrohe) and has already secured the best climber classification. The final stage, a 125-kilometer route from Rome to Rome, is expected to be a showcase for the sprinters, giving Pogačar a chance to savor his achievements.

Pogačar expressed his gratitude and satisfaction after the stage: “Thanks to everybody, to the fans, to my mates, and to everybody in the team. Thanks also to the Giro organization and to all the Italian and Slovenian people who supported me: without all these people, this could not have been possible. Maybe what I did today was not necessary, but I wanted to do it for myself and for the team. It has been three long weeks, it is not easy to fulfill every day the Pink Jersey duties, and so to finish like this in the last tough stage was a goal. Now I can go with confidence to my rest and to the preparation of my next race.”

As the Giro d’Italia approaches its conclusion, Pogačar’s extraordinary performance on Monte Grappa will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this year’s race. The Slovenian’s relentless drive and remarkable resilience have set a new benchmark in the world of cycling.

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