The first long week at the Giro d’Italia 2024 has concluded. Great spectacle on the roads of the Corsa Rosa, several exciting stages and the first verdicts in the general classification are already arriving. Let’s find out what the favorites’ portfolio is after these first nine stages.
WHO GOES UP
Tadej Pogacar: he’s doing pretty much whatever he wants, as expected on the eve. Three stages won, the time trial dominated in an incredible way, a lead of around three minutes over the first of the pursuers and a majestic demonstration of strength. He will continue to play the Cannibal for another two weeks, even if in management looking towards the Tour de France in July.
Daniel Martinez: we expected it to be brilliant, but not at this level. The Colombian was second twice on the climb, therefore always the first of the humans behind Tadej Pogacar, and even in the time trial he did not disappoint expectations. Currently in second place, he must be able to resist for the three weeks.
Geraint Thomas: third in the general classification, there were those who expected something more, certainly himself from the time trial in Perugia which was not run at its best. In any case he is in front, appears in clear control, has experience on his side and is certainly the strongest team of the lot. He is among the favorites for the podium.
Antonio Tiberi: despite a day to forget in Oropa, due to bad luck (double puncture for him), the Italian proves to be the best performing Italian in the standings and easily keeps pace with the best uphill, also putting on a great show in the time trial. He has all it takes to challenge for the top-5 and also dream of a little more.
WHO COMES DOWN
Romain Bardet: he started from Turin with podium ambitions, also given the spring (he had been second in Liège), but practically in the first stage his dreams were extinguished. He also tried to get back into the rankings with a long-distance escape, but his leg isn’t the same as his best days.
Juan Pedro Lopez: he had perhaps deceived himself with his victory at the Tour of the Alps. If the minutes taken against the clock could have been taken into account on the eve of the race, the difficulties on the climb instead were the negative surprise for the Iberian rider.
