Stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 delivered a thrilling spectacle as the GC battle ignited on the slopes of the infamous Mortirolo. Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG emerged victorious, claiming the stage win after a day of intense racing and strategic moves. The stage saw dramatic shifts in the General Classification, with key contenders testing each other’s resolve on the challenging terrain. This pivotal stage not only reshaped the leaderboard but also set the stage for a nail-biting conclusion to the Giro.
The stage featured a demanding route, including the daunting Mortirolo climb, which proved to be the decisive battleground for the GC contenders. Attacks and counter-attacks defined the day, with riders pushing their limits in pursuit of glory. From early breakaways to late-stage accelerations, Stage 17 was a captivating display of skill, strategy, and determination. The day’s events underscored the unpredictable nature of grand tour racing and the unwavering spirit of the peloton.
In this article, we delve into the key moments of Stage 17, examining the tactics employed by the teams and the individual performances that shaped the outcome. We’ll analyze the impact of the Mortirolo climb, the breakaway dynamics, and the thrilling finale that saw Del Toro seize the win. Join us as we dissect the action and provide an in-depth look at this unforgettable stage of the Giro d’Italia 2025.
Early Breakaway and Initial Skirmishes
The stage commenced with a flurry of activity as riders jostled for position, eager to establish an early breakaway. Numerous attacks were launched, with several small groups attempting to escape the clutches of the peloton. However, the determined efforts of teams like Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale and Intermarché-Wanty kept the escapees in check, preventing any significant gap from forming in the initial kilometers.
As the race progressed, points leader Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) made a concerted effort to instigate a breakaway, injecting pace into the front of the peloton. Dylan van Baarle (Visma-Lease a Bike) also launched an attack, but the peloton remained vigilant, quickly nullifying these moves. Despite the relentless attacks, the peloton stayed largely intact, setting the stage for a more decisive move as they approached the first intermediate sprint.
The first intermediate sprint in Cles saw Lidl-Trek massing at the front, positioning Mads Pedersen for the points. Pedersen comfortably won the sprint, further solidifying his lead in the points competition. Shortly after, Jayco-AlUIa surged forward, attempting to establish a breakaway as the peloton left Cles. These early skirmishes reflected the riders’ intent to test their rivals and set the tone for the challenging mountain stages ahead.
Ascent of Passo del Tonale
The Passo del Tonale presented the first significant challenge of the day, a Category 2 climb stretching 15.2km at an average gradient of 6%. As the peloton approached the foot of the climb, a group of around 30 riders managed to break free, establishing a lead over the main pack. This group included notable names such as Jan Tratnik, Nico Denz, Dani Martínez (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Romain Bardet (Picnic-PostNL), and Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates).
The breakaway quickly extended their advantage, reaching over three minutes as they tackled the lower slopes of the Tonale. Polti-Visit Malta led the chase from the peloton, but with numerous top teams represented in the breakaway, their efforts were largely a holding action. Inside the breakaway, mountain leader Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana) attempted to ignite the race, but his move was quickly marked by Kruijswijk, resulting in limited progress.
As the breakaway approached the summit, Fortunato positioned himself behind Ulissi, aiming to maximize his points haul. Ultimately, Fortunato claimed maximum points at the Tonale summit, further cementing his lead in the mountains classification. The peloton, led by Picnic-PostNL and Polti-VisitMalta, crested the summit at 3:07 behind the leaders, setting the stage for the descent and the looming challenge of the Mortirolo.
GC Battle on the Mortirolo
The legendary Passo del Mortirolo (12.6km at 7.6%) proved to be the decisive battleground of Stage 17. As the breakaway approached the foot of the climb, riders like Pluimers were quickly shed, unable to sustain the pace. Simultaneously, the peloton, led by Ineos, EF, Simon Yates, and Del Toro, began their ascent, with Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) among the early casualties, unable to support teammate Simon Yates.
As the climb intensified, the pink jersey group dwindled to around 25 riders, with Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious) struggling and losing contact. UAE Team Emirates-XRG, led by Arrieta for race leader Isaac del Toro, maintained a steady tempo. With 7.5 kilometers to the top, Jonathan Castroviejo injected pace for Ineos, supporting teammate Egan Bernal, while Visma-Lease a Bike retained a strong presence with Kruijswijk, Lemmen, and Kelderman.
In the final kilometers, the race exploded as GC contenders launched their attacks. Cepeda, working for Carapaz, ramped up the pace, dropping Del Toro and igniting a fierce battle among the favorites. Carapaz seized the moment, attacking and carving out a lead. Del Toro, initially struggling, managed to bridge back to Yates, but Carapaz pressed on. As Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain Victorious) crested the summit of the Mortirolo first, Carapaz pushed past breakaway remnants, determined to extend his advantage on the descent.
Descent and Final Kilometers to Bormio
The descent off the Mortirolo saw dramatic shifts as the GC contenders navigated the twisting roads. Carapaz, with support from teammate Steinhauser, aimed to maintain his advantage over the chasing group led by Del Toro and Yates. However, Del Toro, demonstrating resilience, attacked solo from the pink jersey group, drawing responses from Derek Gee and Simon Yates, forming a formidable chase group.
As the race reached the valley road, the gap between Carapaz and the chasers began to narrow. With 28 kilometers to go, the Carapaz group was caught by the Del Toro/S.Yates group, setting the stage for a final showdown. UAE Team Emirates-XRG, supported by Damien Howson (Q36.5), moved back into a controlling position, aiming to position Del Toro for the final climb.
In the final kilometers, Del Toro launched a decisive attack, distancing himself from Carapaz and Yates. As he navigated the technical finish in Bormio, Del Toro maintained his lead, crossing the line victorious and claiming a memorable stage win. The result not only secured the stage victory but also reinforced his position in the General Classification, showcasing his strength and determination.
Stage Results and GC Standings
Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) claimed the stage win in Stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia 2025, triumphing after a grueling day in the mountains. Romain Bardet secured second place, with Richard Carapaz finishing third, both four seconds behind Del Toro. Simon Yates finished fourth, 15 seconds adrift, further intensifying the GC battle.
The stage significantly reshaped the General Classification. Richard Carapaz moved up into second place, now trailing Del Toro by 41 seconds. Simon Yates sits third at 51 seconds, while Derek Gee remains fourth at 1:57. The results underscore the intense competition at the top of the GC, promising a thrilling conclusion to the Giro d’Italia 2025.
Following stage 17, the secondary classifications remained largely unchanged. Del Toro continues to lead the Best Young Rider standings, Mads Pedersen retains the points jersey, and Lorenzo Fortunato maintains his lead in the mountains classification. The Giro d’Italia 2025 is set to continue with Stage 18, a 144-kilometer transitional stage from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno, offering sprinters a potential opportunity to shine before the decisive mountain stages ahead.
Key Takeaways and Future Implications
Stage 17 of the Giro d’Italia 2025 was a day of high drama, showcasing the unpredictable nature of grand tour racing. Isaac del Toro’s victory not only demonstrated his resilience and tactical acumen but also solidified his position as a top contender for the overall title. The intense battle on the Mortirolo, coupled with the strategic moves on the descent, provided a captivating spectacle for cycling fans worldwide.
The stage results underscored the competitive balance at the top of the General Classification, with Carapaz and Yates emerging as formidable rivals to Del Toro. As the race heads into its final stages, the GC battle promises to intensify, with each stage presenting new challenges and opportunities for the contenders. The performance of the support teams, particularly UAE Team Emirates, will be crucial in guiding their leaders through the demanding terrain.
With only a few stages remaining, the Giro d’Italia 2025 is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with the ultimate victor set to etch their name in cycling history. Cycling fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming stages, ready to witness the final chapter of this epic battle unfold on the roads of Italy. The resilience, strategy, and determination displayed by the riders serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of grand tour racing and the indomitable spirit of the peloton. As the race heads towards Rome, every second will count, and every move will be critical in determining the final outcome.
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