{"id":658344,"date":"2026-05-09T14:49:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T14:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/658344\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T14:49:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T14:49:19","slug":"giro-ditalia-stage-2-live-vingegaard-attacks-on-final-climb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/658344\/","title":{"rendered":"Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 LIVE: Vingegaard attacks on final climb"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Refresh <\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:48:10.822Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-71f75d8f-fcc3-49e0-9770-c50c9218339e\">Not Adam Yates though &#8211; he&#8217;s nine minutes dow, his pink jersey dreams surely over.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:47:32.107Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-226ae73d-dd20-413e-9a28-c0d3a9892e01\">There are over 20 riders in the main chase group, including most of the other GC contenders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:46:51.055Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b5227b45-8544-47f8-b8dd-e77c9a8c875f\">It looks like this trio will contest for the stage &#8211; but who will be quickest? It&#8217;s hard to call as they&#8217;ve all had decent sprints in the past.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:45:32.434Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-17e8e850-ac28-430b-aeeb-30bb451020f0\">They&#8217;re not working together though &#8211; the gap is growing, to 23 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:45:01.121Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2571ee94-1f9d-44d0-9046-90a87ab93329\">Bernal, Gall, Arensman, Ciccone, O&#8217;Connor, Mas, Caruso are all in the second group behind the 3 leaders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:43:29.492Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-301c10e6-6447-46e3-957d-b280fcab1c2b\">The chase group behind has swelled, with Benal getting back into it.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:43:02.728Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ba3abc7d-4e2a-447c-b0de-bd1265f3fde3\">Actually, that gap looked exaggerated. It&#8217;s closer to 15 seconds in reality.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:41:37.587Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1579436-f85e-47a5-8f72-fe04fbaccf0a\">It&#8217;s a big gap &#8211; up to 22 seconds already!<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:40:52.266Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\"\/>10KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5a9fee37-3e52-4b29-8653-d3b30fbb3e6d\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">That trio is a few seconds ahead of the main chase group.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:40:16.768Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-59604186-ceaf-416f-b4cb-dd8b9dd8d0d7\">Vingegaard has just 2 riders with him &#8211; Giulio Pellizzari and Lenny Van Eetvelt.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:39:50.712Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1351d9df-4e2b-4681-a46d-0be6510a27f0\">There are gaps behind, with Bernal, O&#8217;Connor and Mas all adrift.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:38:57.246Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-vingegaard-attacks\"\/>VINGEGAARD ATTACKS<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c7b9a075-7e20-4faa-843d-35172bfb5e38\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He&#8217;s attacked and got a gap!<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:38:26.016Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e1ff7c5-2383-4454-97a9-42e449e71c4f\">Vingegaard movrs to the front! He&#8217;s upping the pace on the steeper section.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:37:53.226Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-85fc7bb0-7b6b-4293-9ba6-a738644b1aa1\">Gee was not dropped on the climb, but rather never made his way back after the crash. He&#8217;s trying to rejoin the peloton on the climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:36:48.777Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c2241082-f87e-4628-b709-cb18263c9d06\">Magnier is dropped &#8211; we will have a new pink jersey!<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:36:27.016Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-20e96ade-ba81-4d1e-84f2-1777bfc360a3\">It&#8217;s still a big peloton, buy all stretched out single file by Visma&#8217;s work.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:35:13.323Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-de16f6f5-7937-4a18-bb25-39605f6beb1e\">Narv\u00e1ez and Gee are both dropped on the climb, having gone down in the crash.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:33:40.006Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fd6fb664-b946-4d4d-baf8-1ed64aaa96f9\">Visma take control at the front.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:33:20.216Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c58d0d5b-1a9b-4cba-9164-d44fd40f9f03\">Morgado has been dropped, despite being tipped as a contender for the stage.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:32:49.013Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3c429d07-0c16-47ae-89b5-e67870e65064\">Astana lead the peloton onto the climb, with Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:32:19.255Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-dnf-jay-vine\"\/>DNF &#8211; JAY VINE<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f420443a-4bf9-4edb-ba48-96c90fa79073\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vine has abandoned the race as a result of the crash.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:31:39.733Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4f05c62a-e798-4190-a46c-1ad234cee958\">And now the race is on for positions onto the final climb, which is imminent.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:30:35.328Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-red-bull-kilometre\"\/>RED BULL KILOMETRE<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f7eb850b-5286-4616-b8cc-eadab8907844\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Bernal sprints for it, and takes 6 seconds!<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:30:01.906Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bfecc542-a9fa-499a-b73d-8c3d5cfb96f8\">The race is on again, and there are bonus seconds on offer at the Red Bull Kilometre.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:29:25.705Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-979d9b5c-d3e7-4c2f-92fa-b35a738b7b3c\">The race did not wait for all the dropped riders to return before restarting. Strong still had some ground to make up, and no sign of where Yates is.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:27:34.880Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-race-resumes\"\/>RACE RESUMES<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c95cab78-df94-425e-a2d3-049a4626fdf4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With 18km to go, the race is back on.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:27:07.286Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54efaf18-3c6f-4f9b-9410-6e42f3ea8edf\">Andrea Vendrame is also still not on his bike after being checked out by the medics, but looks set to continue.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:25:27.686Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-998b091e-998f-4625-989c-ef5148f93a23\">Adne Holter is still waiting to get back on his bike, sat up on the floor.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:23:04.365Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-20km-to-go-race-neutralised\"\/>20KM TO GO &#8211; RACE NEUTRALISED<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-337341a6-0711-460d-a7ad-3ae9de4273f9\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The race has been neutralised, with the official car moving to the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:22:08.633Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c1913bb0-8011-4bc2-9b3c-dbcab4d71881\">Cavagna looked in a bad way, but is now back on his bike and riding.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:21:36.297Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b1fce072-275a-4acb-b077-66ce2769a4ad\">About 20 riders must have been held up in that crash.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:20:46.997Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e1b4e953-a563-4d27-8346-08d01e76e1c4\">Adam Yates is trying to get back ono his bike. He&#8217;s covered in mud, having gone into the ditch.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:19:15.999Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d7867936-11cf-405f-8721-feefe8a8bdfe\">Most are up on their feet, but some gingerly so.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:18:36.837Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f712b17c-c767-4a6c-83d4-84f5a50efee8\">Morgado and Adam Yates also involved.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:18:11.569Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-44ed51fb-5499-449a-ac09-15d928430f9b\">buitrago, Gee-West and Strong among those inolved.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:17:34.806Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-cras\"\/>CRAS<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2fdb4966-b32a-440b-892c-74f303a833db\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Lots of riders down in a crash.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:16:58.968Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62829444-81b1-49a8-8722-5da9c09bac64\">The pace is relly up now, with a rainbow of different coloured jerseys lined across the front.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:12:45.077Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f15ca035-fc39-4562-90c5-032e1a5c9469\">More rain jackets are being discarded. Gall is getting some help from Decathlon teammate Naesen with his.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:11:47.981Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9d533ad1-bb4b-4341-af9e-eb7c4c0e4d63\">That&#8217;s it, Maestri and Sevilla&#8217;s day out front is over, having spent almost 200km and five hours leading the race. Chapeau!<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:10:52.965Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1ce509c9-d39a-47e0-b466-9066349da9f1\">Ineos lead the peloton, as they are about to make the catch.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:08:44.070Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\"\/>30KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4aaa3ac6-e17e-4bf8-8211-54d471718e81\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sevilla and Maestri&#8217;s days are numbered. They&#8217;re lead has been cut to just 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:06:15.923Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-48117c0e-909a-4ebe-a439-e3a5d117df11\">The battle for position in the peloton is on! Visma, Ineos and UAE are all formed into long lines towards the front.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T14:04:28.423Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-009f1b54-25b5-4dbc-a75a-5533a7b6326e\">Things are heating up &#8211; some of the jackets that were being put on are now coming off again. This race is going to ignite soon.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:59:43.505Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-36dc7527-bfed-426f-b791-2ee3223a6426\">Ryan Mullen is practically the only rider visible at the front of the peloton who is not wearing a rain jacket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:61.43%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yfaYMZhn8YewnPk4VUWwyF.jpg\" alt=\"The pack rides during the 2nd stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race between Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Luca Bettini \/ AFP)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yfaYMZhn8YewnPk4VUWwyF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yfaYMZhn8YewnPk4VUWwyF.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:56:58.982Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8bcfd0fb-123b-46ac-93d4-99f8fce81b84\">Not only is it wet out there, it&#8217;s also cold. Magnier&#8217;s pink jersey isn&#8217;t keeping him warm enough, and shaking his arms to try and warm up.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:55:52.075Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\"\/>40KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-58e1e985-ae3f-4768-a641-64d9ac358e92\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap&#8217;s come down a little, to 1:45. The break&#8217;s chances of surviving are very slim.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:54:57.403Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6ee5b722-fc20-4354-8ff7-a635970fa037\">Mechanical for Sepp Kuss. He&#8217;ll have no problem making his way back to the peloton while the pace is this slow, though his job will be solely looking after Vingegaard, with no intention of looking after his own GC position as a &#8216;plan b&#8217; option.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/you-have-to-be-humble-in-the-giro-sepp-kuss-not-taking-plan-b-role-for-jonas-vingegaard-in-giro-d-italia\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/you-have-to-be-humble-in-the-giro-sepp-kuss-not-taking-plan-b-role-for-jonas-vingegaard-in-giro-d-italia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;You have to be humble in the Giro&#8217; &#8211; Sepp Kuss not taking &#8216;plan B&#8217; role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:48:16.855Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ae3eb01-8ae4-42c8-9410-e452b49d6ce8\">When the pace does (eventually) pick up, these wet conditions will make this a tense, dangerous finale &#8211; especially on the descent of the climb. Crashes could be on the cards, and the GC riders in particular will have to be very careful to stay upright on these wet roads.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:43:43.831Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\"\/>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5dbd2bf3-3d7f-41ea-b268-af22c9877926\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">We&#8217;re into the final quarter of what&#8217;s been a long, slow stage! The break are still holding a lead of two minutes.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:42:41.852Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:118.38%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zEDqb26boq36ztk8926SWk.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: Bart Lemmen of Netherlands and Team Visma | Lease a Bike competes during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zEDqb26boq36ztk8926SWk.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zEDqb26boq36ztk8926SWk.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:39:39.374Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a66771fd-d65e-4be1-9e58-497f75091c3e\">One rider who isn&#8217;t wearing a coat is Ryan Mullen. He&#8217;s offered one by his teammate, but declines it with some expressive gestures.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:33:36.230Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a7cb6878-a9b9-4b96-b7c7-90006b5f8100\">The weather has turned pretty nasty out there.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kEf6rAeNDwerevmoM7ZmpW.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: A general view of the peloton competing during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kEf6rAeNDwerevmoM7ZmpW.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kEf6rAeNDwerevmoM7ZmpW.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:30:18.003Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\"\/>60KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3936e27e-4ccb-491c-924d-f89831800388\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Two minutes for Sevilla and Maestri, with about 45km until the all-important final climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:28:57.111Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-582bd7aa-0eec-431e-a7af-487119758f33\">Magnier is the latest rider to drop back and pick up a gilet &#8211; a very conspicuous pink one.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:20:47.811Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0ec8e465-547d-479b-823b-7b8f340b1f76\">The weather\u2019s taking a turn for the worse, with rain falling! Enric Mas is among those dropping back to put on a gilet.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:18:39.383Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-da7c1ecc-bb0c-4358-8eb5-f0b3903d16eb\">A rider in a similar mould to Ciccone is Santiago Buitrago. He won\u2019t be overly feared by the GC candidates, and therefore might be given more leeway to attack, and is in possession of an explosive uphill acceleration. The Colombian already has two Giro stage wins to his name, but none since 2023.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:16:34.218Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-79b68626-a06f-4af5-afe4-a544cbcacf85\">If the final climb is too hard for a rider like Ganna, who could it suit? Giulio Ciccone is a name mentioned by a few team staff at the start of the day as a rider they\u2019re keeping a watch on. The Italian has one of the strongest punches of any of the climbers competing, and rather than target GC, is expected to go for stage wins &#8211; and possibly, if he\u2019s feeling good having not brought his best form in the run-in to the Giro, on stages like today\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:13:06.023Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\"\/>70KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8fa91308-d8c7-4eb6-8f5b-a10969792753\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">2:15 is the gap. The peloron might be going slowly, but so too are the two leaders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:12:17.028Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5c560696-1983-4e14-bf73-7816c298e862\">And now Ryan Mullen is back at the front! He was dropped on the climb but has made his way back, and is once again being relied on to set the tempo. On what&#8217;s been an easy day for pretty much everyone else, he&#8217;s doing one hell of a shift.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:08:53.644Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-fa4f0631-0b3c-49ae-93c0-aa2b2f77b955\">NSN have taken control of the peloton again, with Jake Stewart.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:07:36.503Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-351590d0-75d3-40bb-8f68-0c6edf8d9027\">De Lie has made his way back to the peloton &#8211; luckily for him the atmosphere in the peloton is back to being very subdued.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:06:42.995Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/uee3KeHcTQRDhGkdn7kDRj.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: (L-R) Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark and Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Egan Bernal of Colombia and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team compete during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/uee3KeHcTQRDhGkdn7kDRj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/uee3KeHcTQRDhGkdn7kDRj.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:04:46.542Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-22d41d93-e707-4092-ba00-7ba0eb00f480\">Ganna is the kind of rider with a powerful punch that could potentially go for an attack on the final climb &#8211; but will it just be a little too steep for him? Its average gradient of 6.6% for 4km is tougher than, say, the Poggio climb he has enjoyed such success at in the past.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T13:02:51.182Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-214ea150-5c07-4393-bb48-60c3d516a3ac\">Ben Turner is another rider with a fast finishing kick who can also haul himself up a punchy effort like today\u2019s climb. But will Ineos prioritise setting him up, looking after their GC riders, or potentially riding for another candidate in Filippo Ganna?<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:59:46.534Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\"\/>80KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2db3bc4-a336-4630-a552-f90f56a7c8f5\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The peloton has brought the two leaders much closer, to just 2:18. Meanwhile De Lie has 1:10 to make up if he&#8217;s to return to the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:58:14.489Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YL2QW4biAdSymZjEVjVXHa.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: A general view of the peloton climbing to the Vratnik Pass (940m) during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YL2QW4biAdSymZjEVjVXHa.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YL2QW4biAdSymZjEVjVXHa.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:55:40.598Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3917e5d3-f2cd-4c8a-8103-e104a9e89eb4\">In the peloton, Visma take control on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:55:09.337Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-60a7be06-0a10-44aa-b39b-a1d73744744b\">De Lie is struggling a lot. He&#8217;s all on his own, spinning a low gear, and crests the climb about a minute after the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:53:39.331Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-69f7c36c-bc05-472b-9cfb-6b91e5cc9e20\">Groenewegen has also gone, but should be able to get back on, as they&#8217;re just about to reach the top.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:53:02.037Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-38bca0cf-f771-4681-b0dc-58e1babb8b0d\">Some riders are being dropped out of the peloton as the pace increases. Sprinter De Lie is one of them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:52:19.906Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-vratnik-pass\"\/>KOM &#8211; VRATNIK PASS<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-62fa202b-48f7-44ea-a340-8c159a8c2056\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sevilla takes the points again as the leading pair go over the top.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:49:52.303Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b3858ec1-fa41-4d57-be76-3a02cd04d47a\">In recent years, reduced bunch sprints at Grand Tours has been a speciality of Kaden Groves, who already has two career Giro stage victories to his name. The big question is how well he has recovered from yesterday\u2019s stage, when he was involved in the crash.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:47:58.370Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-75e2f7da-f822-451b-88fd-0770b5dc9734\">Such a mellow day could play into the hands of the sprinters, who might be more fresh than they would otherwise have been come the finale, and therefore stand a better chance of surviving the last climb. But which sprinters should we be looking out for?<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">NSN clearly have the belief that they can control things for Corbin Strong.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:46:35.351Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\"\/>90KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1061b806-684c-4c5c-8dda-12e247ff4d2b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The pace in the peloton is slow enough for the breakaway pair to increase their lead to 3:30.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:41:39.936Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a814391d-8ac1-4677-99e8-ddc779b53f59\">This climb is being taken on at a mellow pace too, so it appears the determining factor set to decide the fate of this stage will be the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:39:20.992Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-668cef56-2ab2-4d0b-96e1-688c1fc46e54\">Mullen has reinforcements at the front of the peloton, with multiple riders from his NSN team helping him set the pace as they ride up the climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:31:52.218Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5f69342a-84b3-4a47-9cb9-7a66280810a7\">That was only a short descent. The riders are going gently uphill once again, approaching the official start of the Vratnik Pass, which lasts 9.1km at 4.1%.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:30:05.137Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ATWbSvcEaQmHG67xrT4J5e.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: Mick van Dijke of Netherlands and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ATWbSvcEaQmHG67xrT4J5e.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ATWbSvcEaQmHG67xrT4J5e.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:26:26.032Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\"\/>100KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef829332-ec5c-4f1c-8698-19142a673ff4\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The increase in pace on that climb has seen the break&#8217;s lead to come down to three minutes. The peloton aren&#8217;t going hard on the descent though, and the road looks pretty dry.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:24:32.933Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-76b8b986-42cf-4170-8a16-33699ed672d5\">Visma lead the peloton as they begin the descent.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:22:55.761Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cfa4d8d8-4bce-4d58-953b-ff9494cd88ce\">The peloton crest the climb, three minutes after the leaders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:21:36.647Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5fecc98e-3168-457b-b565-663c6eb1ffe6\">It&#8217;s a bit livelier in the peloton now. Teams want to be well-positioned for this descent, especially now the roads are getting wet.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:20:10.312Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-kom-byala-pass\"\/>KOM &#8211; BYALA PASS <\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-13c5ed3e-7be3-4081-ab61-bb2e168a9dc1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Maestri doesn&#8217;t challenge Sevilla for the points at the top of the climb, so he increases his leader in the KOM rankings.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:18:04.207Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-34188fdf-8a0c-42a7-8761-62233cbc6fee\">No more urgency has been shown by the peloton on this climb, where the pace remains slow. This isn\u2019t the kind of all-action racing we\u2019ve grown accustomed to at recent Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:14:40.546Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-61f50f3f-b279-46da-9984-908054c2d309\">It&#8217;s started to drizzle a little.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:13:57.555Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YutBiPtGQYCJVZKm62b77S.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: Fans during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YutBiPtGQYCJVZKm62b77S.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/YutBiPtGQYCJVZKm62b77S.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:08:46.024Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2d028144-0f2d-42fe-bdeb-1b87772a09a3\">It&#8217;s a bit nippy out there &#8211; those yellow Visma jerseys have all been covered in black outerlayers.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:07:59.052Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d477c9f5-fba6-45e0-af8b-ff620152e434\">Mullen continues to pull the peloton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hWkMArZhJ5DFuwoDnHPR8X.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: Ryan Mullen of Ireland and Team NSN Cycling leads the peloton during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hWkMArZhJ5DFuwoDnHPR8X.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hWkMArZhJ5DFuwoDnHPR8X.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T12:04:10.857Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae4f26b8-ffa7-4543-9a4b-cd5e227f8fc1\">Having been climbing for several kilometres, the riders have now officially begun the Byala pass. They will spend the next 7.7km riding at a 4.6% gradient.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:59:21.611Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39236139-d763-41bd-996d-28ab5bca2657\">Here\u2019s the updated points classification standings:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Magnier 55 points<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-39236139-d763-41bd-996d-28ab5bca2657-2\">2 Andresen 35<\/p>\n<p>3 Milan 26<\/p>\n<p>4 Vernon 25<\/p>\n<p>5 Sevilla 20<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:57:27.274Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3de3a672-d267-439d-94ae-70d96d944390\">Mullen has taken over again at the front of the peloton as they approach the start of the Byala Pass.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:56:29.617Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-54b4c4fa-9cdf-4215-a85c-4a3341d524f6\">So after neglecting to go for the intermediate sprint yesterday, it seems winning the stage has emboldened Magnier to chase the Maglia Ciclamino.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:55:07.902Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-599e67ea-e3cb-4c17-bf3f-71f12ce6b2dc\">Milan takes 3 points, and his Lidl teammate Walscheid takes 1.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:53:53.869Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6b9c0ada-557a-48ad-89f5-ee8f4b6e5b51\">Magnier in the pink jersey sprints for it, and takes the five points.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:53:18.168Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e36faac1-840f-40b1-8886-bcd007aea164\">Yesterday, Groves was the only rider to challenge Milan for the points, but he&#8217;s further down today.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:52:10.666Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-625f8615-ceaa-4040-8337-dd62d839ab3d\">Here comes Milan&#8217;s Lidl to the front.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:51:50.880Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-944f88a2-2677-4572-bb40-cbf6aaaf05f6\">Sevilla takes the points uncontested ahead of Maestri. There are points available for the next three riders in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:50:33.209Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\"\/>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-521b174b-4745-4fe1-9ebc-b7ba2923ba3f\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gap&#8217;s come down a little more, to 4:45.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:49:16.808Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5dc6afb-7e3e-49c0-a4d0-2b2c03ec4dde\">With the intermediate sprint coming up, we&#8217;re anticipating Milan coming up to the front to try and gain some more points.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:67.29%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KvCDYeuEUVdpuFPNTGUS46.jpg\" alt=\"Lidl - Trek Italian rider Jonathan Milan wearing a black mourning armband &amp;quot; WW108&amp;quot; a tribute dedicated to the Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt, who tragically passed away following a crash while competing the third stage of the Giro d'Italia on 2011, during the 2nd stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race between Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Luca Bettini \/ AFP)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KvCDYeuEUVdpuFPNTGUS46.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/KvCDYeuEUVdpuFPNTGUS46.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:46:52.087Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-40e077af-b1cd-44e5-b032-f568e39330f9\">Adam Yates has just had a chat with his team car. Though he\u2019s UAE\u2019s GC man for the race, they have the kind of line-up that could excel hunting stage wins, including today\u2019s &#8211; but with who? At his best Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez looks like a great candidate, though his form is unproven following an injury-disrupted start to the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Perhaps Morgado, who showed intent in chasing bonus seconds yesterday, has today in mind &#8211; with a potential pink jersey on the cards having picked up that time.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:41:34.277Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-028a2eed-71bc-4a42-969d-6c113404df09\">After such a long, sleepy phase of the race, things could be about to liven up. There\u2019s an intermediate sprint coming up in about 5km, followed by two category three climbs in quick succession.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:37:19.770Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f67cf493-4ce2-4b9f-a1c1-8c511eea3013\">The two riders at the front of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XVzawwAeZSZwJNJ2B8Z59K.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: (L-R) Diego Pablo Sevilla of Spain - Blue Mountain Jersey and Mirco Maestri of Italy and Team Polti VisitMalta compete in the breakaway during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XVzawwAeZSZwJNJ2B8Z59K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/XVzawwAeZSZwJNJ2B8Z59K.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:34:29.442Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\"\/>130KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8c214435-8032-4d2f-b572-78a321976bb1\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">5:15 is the gap. Mullen continues to lead, but is clearly not out of breath &#8211; he&#8217;s having a chat with Victor Campanaerts, who, given his interest in the topic, may or may not be giving him some tips about riding aero.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:31:32.805Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a646681e-fe99-4c23-bcb3-678c0b45ecdd\">This is a different approach from the one Visma took in the finale of yesterday\u2019s stage, when they stayed towards the back of the peloton &#8211; vindicated when they managed to avoid the late crash at the front.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-expected-something-like-this-vismas-tactics-in-giro-d-italia-opener-vindicated-as-jonas-vingegaard-avoids-crash-chaos\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/we-expected-something-like-this-vismas-tactics-in-giro-d-italia-opener-vindicated-as-jonas-vingegaard-avoids-crash-chaos\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;We expected something like this&#8217; \u2013 Visma&#8217;s tactics in Giro d&#8217;Italia opener vindicated as Jonas Vingegaard avoids crash chaos<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:28:12.295Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-11a4c2e1-c43f-47bf-9b1a-ce985a6b33da\">Ryan Mullen is the only man doing any work at the front of the peloton. There are a swarm of Visma riders massed behind him, but they&#8217;re only interested in keeping leader Jonas Vingegaard up towards the front and therefore safe.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:24:48.226Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-024108fc-e370-4a3d-9452-e7072a10a6d5\">We spoke to Ineos race director and former Giro podium finisher Geraint Thomas yesterday, and here&#8217;s what he had to say about today&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/need-to-be-attentive-100-percent-geraint-thomas-warns-of-potential-gc-headache-on-tricky-giro-d-italia-stage-2-finale-after-netcompany-ineos-escape-hectic-opener-unscathed\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/need-to-be-attentive-100-percent-geraint-thomas-warns-of-potential-gc-headache-on-tricky-giro-d-italia-stage-2-finale-after-netcompany-ineos-escape-hectic-opener-unscathed\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:18:27.735Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Gx2Gp4g8fGZ5Xsn5ynjBWd.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: A general view of the peloton passing through flowery landscape during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Gx2Gp4g8fGZ5Xsn5ynjBWd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Gx2Gp4g8fGZ5Xsn5ynjBWd.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:17:21.423Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-140km-to-go\"\/>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a42548a0-3550-4488-ad44-5c25a2ac002a\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The gaps dipped below five minutes, to 4:55, but the pace remains very calm for now.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:13:35.584Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6e3e0976-430a-4d6c-9daa-e6686785356f\">Marcel Kittel is on the roadside handing out a bidon to the Unibet Rose Rockets riders. He seems to be enjoying life back in the cycling world, working as a coach for Groenewegen&#8217;s team.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:10:21.449Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-6a7c8011-c4e2-458c-9ffa-5683165771e0\">Can Paul Magnier stay in the pink jersey? Although the final climb will be difficult for him, he said yesterday that \u2018maybe a chance that I can survive if I feel good\u2019<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/maybe-i-wont-win-19-this-year-pink-jersey-paul-magnier-turns-from-quantity-to-quality-with-maiden-grand-tour-success-at-giro-d-italia\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/maybe-i-wont-win-19-this-year-pink-jersey-paul-magnier-turns-from-quantity-to-quality-with-maiden-grand-tour-success-at-giro-d-italia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;Maybe I won&#8217;t win 19 this year&#8217; \u2013 Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:69.82%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JWBYUubEcW2gKtrQQVxyjX.jpg\" alt=\"Soudal Quick-Step French rider Paul Magnier wearing the overall leader's pink jersey (Maglia Rosa) rides during the 2nd stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race between Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Luca Bettini \/ AFP)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JWBYUubEcW2gKtrQQVxyjX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/JWBYUubEcW2gKtrQQVxyjX.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:05:40.305Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef9a42f6-96de-4c89-b359-904fa1d02cec\">It&#8217;s a big day over in Spain, where the peloton is approaching the foot of the mighty Angliru, in what is a historic day at La Vuelta Femenina. You can follow all the action of that race with us too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/la-vuelta-femenina-stage-7-live-the-gc-remains-wide-open-ahead-of-the-final-brutal-stage-to-langrilu\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/live\/la-vuelta-femenina-stage-7-live-the-gc-remains-wide-open-ahead-of-the-final-brutal-stage-to-langrilu\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">La Vuelta Femenina stage 7 LIVE: An aggressive meant the day&#8217;s breakaway took an hour to get away, but three women now lead the final stage<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T11:01:34.265Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\"\/>150KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b4254c9e-f7a7-4567-a274-532a281c5f31\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The race remains in the same holding pattern, with the Ryan Mullen-led peloton 5:07 behind the two leaders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:59:30.908Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bd9d728f-8458-4144-afc6-1cfdbb879d73\">Though NSN clearly believes in Strong\u2019s chances in a sprint, this stage is difficult to call. It could be that a reduced peloton makes it to the finish together for a sprint contested by the sprinters capable of making it over the climbs, it could also be that puncheurs succeed in breaking clear from the peloton on the final climb &#8211; and perhaps even GC contenders could get involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/2026-giro-d-italia-stage-2-preview\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/2026-giro-d-italia-stage-2-preview\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2026 Giro d&#8217;Italia stage 2 preview &#8211; Opportunists set to roll the dice for maglia rosa on hilly race into Veliko Tarnovo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:56:27.398Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d43beb83-4b38-4d7f-a4b2-3e0c1d8d1adb\">It\u2019s still NSN who are doing the work pacing the peloton. Though Ethan Vernon was their highest finisher yesterday in this, today they will surely be working for their other, more versatile sprinter Corbyn Strong, given the tough climb that features in the finale.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:52:34.149Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:59.67%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CGAreT3zWHmpdabZ24Qwf9.jpg\" alt=\"The pack rides during the 2nd stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race between Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Luca Bettini \/ AFP)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CGAreT3zWHmpdabZ24Qwf9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CGAreT3zWHmpdabZ24Qwf9.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:50:54.097Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5961a415-8212-48e8-beaf-1ac58391ee15\">Jonathan Milan cuts a more serious figure as the TV moto drives us beside him. He&#8217;ll surely have some lingering disappointment at missing out on the win and what would have been a career first Pink Jersey yesterday.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/my-legs-werent-there-top-favourite-jonathan-milan-unable-to-fulfill-dream-of-first-pink-jersey-at-giro-d-italia\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/my-legs-werent-there-top-favourite-jonathan-milan-unable-to-fulfill-dream-of-first-pink-jersey-at-giro-d-italia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;My legs weren&#8217;t there&#8217; \u2013 Top favourite Jonathan Milan unable to fulfill dream of first pink jersey at Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:48:25.469Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d22990c7-8b3e-4178-9588-b74c03959fbd\">Jai Hindley is looking especially chilled in the peloton, as he shares a joke and a smile with the TV moto.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:47:16.662Z<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\"\/>160KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-21485542-0ca0-4fff-adde-92f237df78f2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">5:20 is the gap between the break and the peloton, on what remains a sleepy stage at the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:30:02.872Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8344cd69-b874-48c3-90e6-0d97c5409061\">Still 5:15 between break and peloton<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:28:48.908Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d3a3bacd-94ad-4f10-96ee-69a661e9e06c\">NSN continue at the head of the peloton<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:21:04.437Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0d9415c1-83c5-4cc0-949a-5cbb7eff5691\">A new bike for Jonas Vingegaard after the Dane suffers a mechanical issue<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:14:31.254Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b9799f8c-cd33-4739-8fd6-3530a769a232\">No change in the race situation after the first hour on the road<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-180km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>180km to go<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:07:36.274Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65da9e78-f9a3-4f3a-a24e-db7f6aa26acf\">A shot of the peloton during the early kilometres of the stage<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.45%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cE98Hjoe7wgcNvmGkzskSh.jpg\" alt=\"The pack ride during the 2nd stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026 - Tour of Italy cycling race between Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Luca Bettini \/ AFP)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cE98Hjoe7wgcNvmGkzskSh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/cE98Hjoe7wgcNvmGkzskSh.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:01:16.621Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-18d63511-fd14-4ada-b5a0-e1e0f014e6a8\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/were-going-back-to-market-ineos-ready-to-drop-title-sponsorship-role-to-bring-on-second-partner-alongside-netcompany\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/were-going-back-to-market-ineos-ready-to-drop-title-sponsorship-role-to-bring-on-second-partner-alongside-netcompany\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going back to market&#8217; \u2013 Ineos ready to drop title sponsorship role to bring on second partner alongside Netcompany<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going back to market looking for a second co-title partner&#8217; says CFO Tom Hill<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/r6hHxErZzBagiNR6yefygB.jpg\" alt=\"NESSEBAR, BULGARIA - MAY 08: Filippo Ganna of Italy and Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team prior to the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 1 a 147km stage from Nessebar to Burgas \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 08, 2026 in Nessebar, Bulgaria. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/r6hHxErZzBagiNR6yefygB.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/r6hHxErZzBagiNR6yefygB.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<br \/>\n<a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T10:00:48.074Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0198b6c3-45ea-4354-bbbc-2d617c0085cc\">Nobody else has joined Maestri and Sevilla out front<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:58:35.139Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8510d76-bb1c-4518-a8a4-a71c98890946\">The peloton controlling the time gap at 5:30 at the moment<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:55:01.581Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ee6254e9-fdfe-4c66-9b4f-d1aaef7441f7\">NSN still on the front of the peloton<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:51:43.766Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-42bfaedc-3569-4a84-995e-05b83c356e47\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/giro-d-italia-abandons-2026\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/giro-d-italia-abandons-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Giro d&#8217;Italia abandons \u2013 Matteo Moschetti becomes the first rider to drop out of the 2026 race<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Tracking all the riders who have crashed out of or otherwise left this year&#8217;s Giro<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:50:31.584Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-362bcada-69cb-4f93-bb16-fc5667b69fc5\">Still a long way to go on today&#8217;s stage and the riders are still on the flat early roads<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-195km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>195km to go<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:49:07.151Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-cbb798a0-4604-4b47-9a5a-2e026327d4e0\">The duo now have 5:15 over the chasing peloton<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:48:14.087Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a4abd89f-5e7b-4624-b195-47c2712536c7\">The gap has come down a little since NSN have taken to the front<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:32:26.784Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-627e304c-e953-42a8-88b5-8051f7e75c11\">NSN are leading the peloton with Ryan Mullen 5:45 down the road<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-207km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>207km to go<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:30:28.406Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-bc41cbf0-5438-4bcc-bd56-2a42119d8cc6\">Sevilla is in the blue jersey as mountain classification leader after going out in the break yesterday<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:29:04.545Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-0a79f554-f3ee-4f63-99ca-f7685071c054\">A look at the two breakaway men<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pqgxbRbNuCBk5JhDFhzYAQ.jpg\" alt=\"VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA - MAY 09: (L-R) Mirco Maestri of Italy and Diego Pablo Sevilla of Spain and Team Polti VisitMalta- Blue Mountain Jersey compete during the 109th Giro d&amp;amp;apos;Italia 2026, Stage 2 a 221km stage from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo \/ #UCIWT \/ on May 09, 2026 in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pqgxbRbNuCBk5JhDFhzYAQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pqgxbRbNuCBk5JhDFhzYAQ.jpg\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:28:17.828Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4150f25c-c65e-4fe0-a5f2-bcf5bc0eadfb\">It looks like this will be the only move of the day.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:26:03.284Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f222cd12-e941-4b13-ac00-906ed1332a7d\">The duo have four minutes currently<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:23:54.490Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5db80d2a-0f7c-46eb-8bb2-0606c7a3b550\">The peloton has let the pair go in these early kilometres of the race.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:22:55.508Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-f8771cad-84c5-48c0-a617-1bc3c88ec50e\">Mirco Maestri and Diego Pablo Sevilla are on the move. The pair both ride for Polti-VisitMalta.<\/p>\n<p>2026-05-09T09:21:53.946Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-b9885a24-748f-4ffe-a3a1-94f6f15e7d97\">The stage has just got underway and two riders are already on the attack.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4083357d-6864-41f2-aaee-43c857366bb8\">Welcome to our live coverage of stage 2 of the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Refresh 2026-05-09T14:48:10.822Z Not Adam Yates though &#8211; he&#8217;s nine minutes dow, his pink jersey dreams surely over. 2026-05-09T14:47:32.107Z&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":658345,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[49,48,635,82],"class_list":["post-658344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/658344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=658344"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/658344\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/658345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=658344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=658344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=658344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}