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Vingegaard Keeps Lead Role at Giro Without Wearing Maglia Rosa

Small mountain margins and a poor long time trial have prompted debate over whether he is saving energy for the Tour or showing unexpected weakness as decisive Alpine stages loom.

Overview

  • Jonas Vingegaard remains the pre-race favorite for overall victory at the Giro despite not holding the maglia rosa, the pink jersey awarded to the race leader.
  • Portuguese rider Afonso Eulalio wears the maglia rosa after gaining minutes in an early break, which reduces Vingegaard’s team duty to control the race and lowers his media obligations.
  • Vingegaard has won two summit finishes by narrow gaps of about a dozen seconds, a contrast with the large margins fans saw in Tadej Pogacar’s 2024 Giro performances.
  • He lost significant ground in the long individual time trial that Filippo Ganna dominated, a result that fuels questions about Vingegaard’s form versus a deliberate energy-saving strategy.
  • Former champion Vincenzo Nibali and other commentators say the race is still open and that upcoming Alpine stages will determine whether Vingegaard consolidates control or must defend a vulnerable lead with the Tour de France on the horizon.