Giro d’Italia: Bora throws the glove down to Ineos with fireworks – Three things that stood out on the 14th stage

The 147 kilometers with their five mountain classifications and 3200 altitude meters caused much larger holes than the great mountain finishes before: Only 16 riders were within ten minutes of the finish.

Responsible for this was the full-throttle drive, which Bora started more than 80 kilometers from the finish – a risk that paid off in the end.

Although the stage victory went to Simon Yates and the pink jersey to Richard Carapaz, the superior points winner in all respects was the team of Jai Hindley, Emanuel Buchmann and Co. thanks to their unique commitment.

Three things that stood out:

1.) Bora risks – and is rewarded

Wait, feel, run in sight? Not today.

The fireworks on this 14th stage featured cycling with open eyes and were an inspiring example of how gripping the sport can be. Bora risked a lot with the speed poem regardless of loss – and was rewarded. Wilco Kelderman put his newly regained ambitions in the overall standings or to win the day on the back burner, just as Lennard Kennan did – all six drivers gave their all for their two captains, Jai Hindley and Emanuel Buchmann.

It became clear that the German team is currently the strongest group in this Giro: With three riders they were represented in the group of twelve favorites, the jump back to the top of the team rankings was the logical consequence. But it was just a side effect – with Bora, the podium in Verona is the big goal, and if possible, thank you, the top spot. This phase also clarified that Hindley will be the candidate for this, the trio became an Australian spearhead.

Bora’s action, however, was not without risk, and when Carapaz launched his attack on the final loop, the Olympic champion briefly resembled the great recipient of his opponent’s tempo work. But Hindley was able to catch up again – unlike the other podium candidates – and Buchmann did not collapse either, but remains an important tactical option as number eight in the overall standings.

2.) Ineos shows dangerous weaknesses

The pink jersey conquered – but by no means is everything rosy: the balance of the British top team is very worrying after the 14th stage. Yes, Carapaz was strong and no one could keep up with his attack with almost 30 kilometers left. But the Ecuadorian could not cope either. As with Blockhaus, he was strong, but not strong enough for a successful solo. And again, Hindley was able to win the sprint duel and dust off again in the bonus seconds.

Much more crucial, however, was how early Carapaz could be isolated from his actually so top-class team of helpers. If Ineos had briefly taken the dictation in the field before the start of the Bora attack and, as in several key phases of this Giro, had taken responsibility, the usual dominance would have happened unexpectedly quickly.

Whether Richie Porte, Pavel Sivakov or Jhonatan Narvaez – no one was able to follow Bora’s pace dictation. It will give Ineos the same concern as the number 1 challengers, albeit in different directions. As a result of the takeover of maglia rosa, the team will also be challenged from tomorrow through the management work in the field – how many helpers will Carapaz then have available on the way to the top of the mountain to get bottles, close holes or set the pace?

Eurosport expert Jens Voigt’s verdict is clear: “I see clear benefits in Bora,” says the former Giro stage winner. After the 14th stage, momentum speaks for itself other than for the former Sky team, which was spoiled for success.

3.) Lopez – come to stay

At first glance, Juan Pedro Lopez was one of the losers of the day as the Spaniard had to give up his pink jersey after ten stages. But that he is anything but a twinkle in his forehead, the 24-year-old demonstrated once again in an impressive way on Saturday. With great fighting spirit, he kept pace with the twelve-man leading group long after other drivers such as Alejandro Valverde, Guillaume Martin and Thymen Arensman had left behind.

Even when Lopez was the soloist on the final lap, he did not give up, but gave up his last jersey in the battle for the driver’s jersey. The reward was tenth place in Turin and overall ninth place. He could certainly remain in the top ten in the standings, his lead over the first pursuers there are already more than five minutes.

“It was not the last time he wore a driver’s jersey,” predicts Voigt from the Vuelta-13. other successes from the previous year. He’s here to learn – but Lopez has already announced that he will target the overall standings in the next few years. His performance on the 14th stage once again impressively emphasized these ambitions. “I enjoyed every mile in pink,” Lopez said – someone seems to have gotten a taste for it, despite problems with the lunch bag today.