Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) has won the 2023 Giro d’Italia, wearing the final Maglia Rosa of the General Classification leader and raising the Trofeo Senza Fine. Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and João Pedro Gonçalves Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) finished second and third.
Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) won the final 126km stage which was a circuit around Rome. Alex Kirsch (Trek – Segafredo) and Filippo Fiorelli (Green Project – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè) finished second and third respectively.
The winner of the Giro d’Italia Primož Roglič 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. Rome is a spectacular city. Every win is special and I’m grateful to be able to get this one. It will stay for the rest of my life.
“There’s so much emotion going on after my time trial win yesterday,” Roglic added in the press conference. “This was my first time in Rome. The scenery is incredible. It makes me happy to be part of the history with the position I have and I want to say a big thanks to everyone involved. Every Grand Tour is a challenge. I can’t compare my win at the Giro with the Tour or La Vuelta. The Giro was what I was hunting for this year. I wish it was easier to win but it was a pleasure to fight with Geraint Thomas who is a good friend of mine. Having beaten him here won’t affect our relationship.”
Second placed Geraint Thomas said: “I was there in the finale and I saw Mark Cavendish so why not give a pull. He’s an old mate and I predicted he’d win. My job was already done. It still hurts to not win the Giro. I saw Primoz riding in pink and I thought it could have been me. I’m still extremely proud about how we raced as a team despite the losses of Filippo [Ganna], Tao [Goeghegan Hart] and Pavel [Sivakov] but we kept riding well together. Everyone backed me 100%, not just the riders. It’s been an incredible team effort. We’ll keep going. It’s the lows that make the highs. I don’t know if I’ll be back at the Giro. Never say never!”
Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner Mark Cavendish said: “I am super happy, it’s been an incredible day. My team mates have done a great job. My first win was in 2008, to be here again it’s unbelievable. It was very nice to see a lot of colleagues and friends happy for me after the finish like Geraint Thomas.”
Stage 21 Results:
- Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) – 135 km in 2h’48’26″, average speed 44.884 km/h
- Alex Kirsch (Trek – Segafredo) s.t.
- Filippo Fiorelli (Green Project – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè) s.t.
Final General Classification:
- Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma)
- Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) at 14″
- João Pedro Gonçalves Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) at 1’15”
Final Jerseys:
- Maglia Rosa, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by Enel – Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma)
- Maglia Ciclamino, leader of the Points Classification, sponsored by Agenzia ICE with the brand Madeinitaly.gov.it – Jonathan Milan (Bahrain – Victorious)
- Maglia Azzurra, leader of the Gran Premio della Montagna, sponsored by Banca Mediolanum – Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ)
- Maglia Bianca, Best Young Rider, sponsored by Intimissimi Uomo – João Pedro Gonçalves Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor