Giro d’ITalia 2024: Stage 1 Highlights and Winners

Giro D'italia 2024

The Giro d’Italia stands as one of the global cycling sphere’s most prestigiousand challenging contests. Annually, elite cyclists vie for the coveted pink jersey, emblematic of the race leader.

The 2024 Giro is shaping up to be an unmissable event, showcasing a varied and rigorous route that includes flat stages, hilly terrain, mountainous challenges, time trials, and a unique gravel segment.

The inaugural stage unfurls a hilly circuit in Turin, the Piedmont’s crown jewel and the 2006 Winter Olympics venue. Starting and concluding in Venaria Reale, noted for its majestic royal palace and gardens, the 140-kilometer journey features two significant climbs: the San Vito (4.3 km at 5.4%) and the San Francesco del Campo (2.8 km at 6.9%). A spirited descent towards a flat finale awaits, with a likely reduced bunch sprint to the line.

Stage victory hopefuls include Tadej Pogacar, the Tour de France victor and UAE Team Emirates leader; Jhonatan Narvaez of Ineos Grenadiers, noted for his climbing and sprinting prowess; and Romain Bardet, making his Giro entry with Bora-Hansgrohe. Competitors like Geraint Thomas, Dani Martinez, Ben O’Connor, and Cian Uijtdebroeks also enter the fray.

This coverage will deliver the first stage highlights of the Giro d’Italia 2024, revealing the victors, memorable moments, and reactions from the cycling community. Additionally, stay updated with the latest race news and standings, coupled with a sneak peek of upcoming stages.

Stay tuned for exhilarating and insightful coverage of the Giro d’Italia 2024!

The Route of Stage 1

The inaugural stage of the Giro de Tali 2024 unfurls as a scenic yet hilly circuitthrough Turin. This city, the heart of the Piedmont region, gained global fame as the host for the 2006 Winter Olympics. The journey commences and concludes in Venaria Reale, renowned for its royal palace and captivating gardens, spanning a distance of 140 kilometers. Participants will face two significant challenges along the route: the San Vito climb (4.3 km at 5.4%) and the San Francesco del Campo climb (2.8 km at 6.9%).

After surmounting the final ascent, racers will plunge into a brisk descent towards a flat stretch leading to the finish line, setting the stage for a thrilling reduced bunch sprint.

While not overly strenuous, the stage’s conclusion is primed for explosive efforts from puncheurs and GC contenders eager to carve out time advantages or don the event’s first pink jersey. The key San Vito climb lies 30 km from the end and features a daunting maximum gradient of 10%. Following, the San Francesco del Campo incline, shorter yet more abrupt, peaks at a staggering 14% gradient, with an average tilt of 9%.

The climax of this ascent is positioned 12 km before the line, leading into a technical and twisty descent. The race then flattens out for the final 5 km, culminating in a smooth and broad finish line in front of the regal palace.

Evoking memories of the 2011 Giro d’Italia’s opener—won by Philippe Gilbert in a dramatic sprint against Alessandro Petacchi and Jose Joaquin Rojas—the stage pitches modern-day cycling icons against each other. Among them are Tadej Pogacar, the reigning Tour de France victor and leader of UAE Team Emirates; Jhonatan Narvaez, Ineos Grenadiers’ versatile Ecuadorian; and Romain Bardet, the French luminary embarking on his Giro venture with Bora-Hansgrohe.

The battle for stage supremacy and the prestigious maglia rosa also sees competition from other formidable competitors like Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), Dani Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe), Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), and Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma).

Race Dynamics and Breakaways

The inaugural stage of the Giro de Tali 2024 saw an exciting early three-man breakaway. The protagonists of this daring move were Lilian Calmejane (Total Direct Energie), Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier (Trek-Segafredo), and Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers).

Exhibiting excellent teamwork, the trio managed to forge a substantial lead, at one point exceeding six minutes ahead of the main peloton. The chase was spearheaded by UAE Team Emirates and Bora-Hansgrohe, whose interests lay in supporting the stage favorites and contenders for the coveted pink jersey.

Approaching the day’s first major challenge, the Superga climb, the breakaway maintained a four-minute lead. Calmejane emerged as the most robust climber, clinching maximum points at the summit, with Ghebreigzabhier and Arensman trailing.

The peloton, driven by UAE Team Emirates, upped the pace significantly, causing difficulties for several sprinters and climbers, including notable names like Michael Woods (Israel Start-Up Nation), Mike Teunissen (Jumbo-Visma), and Max Walscheid (Qhubeka NextHash).

By the time the riders tackled the second ascend, the Colle Maddalena, the gap had narrowed to three minutes. Calmejane launched another attack, distancing Arensman, who was quickly absorbed by the main group.

Ghebreigzabhier kept pace with Calmejane until the summit, where the latter secured additional points. Throughout, UAE Team Emirates led the peloton, increasing the tempo to create further separations. This strategy proved effective, isolating several contenders, including Romain Bardet (Bora-Hansgrohe), Luke Plapp (BikeExchange), and Simon Yates (Movistar).

Entering the final climb, the San Vito, Calmejane initiated one more decisive attack, leaving Ghebreigzabhier behind to be caught by the peloton. Calmejane’s efforts were rewarded as he clinched the race’s first King of the Mountains jersey.

The reduced peloton, led by UAE Team Emirates, was whittled down to around 40 riders, including Tadej Pogacar, the reigning Tour de France champion and team leader, supported by his lone remaining teammate, Rafał Majka.

Despite the presence of other GC contenders like Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), Dani Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe), Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), and Cian Uijtdebroeks (Visma), no one launched an attack, setting the stage for thrilling racing in the days to come.

Final Kilometers and Sprint Finish

The closing stages of the inaugural stage of the Giro de Tali 2024 were packed with drama and excitement, as the main group fervently pursued the solo leader, Lilian Calmejane, while the General Classification (GC) contenders jockeyed for position on the day’s ultimate ascent, the San Francesco del Campo. Calmejane, having made a daring move on an earlier climb, was reeled in with just 5 km remaining by a select group of approximately 40 riders spearheaded by UAE Team Emirates and Ineos Grenadiers.

Last Km

The final kilometer unfolded on a flat and straight sprint to the finish line, positioned majestically in front of the royal palace at Venaria Reale. Sprinters and punchy riders scrambled for the front, while GC hopefuls aimed to evade any possible mishaps or separations. Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) ignited his sprint with 300 meters left, but was swiftly surpassed by Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), who had cleverly stayed on his wheel.

The thrilling contest for the stage victory and the coveted first pink jersey saw Narváez narrowly defeating Pogacar by a single bike length at the finish line. Schachmann secured the third spot, trailing the winner by three seconds.

Narváez’s victory marked his first ever Giro stage win and his debut as a Grand Tour leader, while Pogacar’s powerful display reaffirmed his strong aspirations for the overall win. All other GC contenders crossed the line in the same time as Pogacar, with the exceptions of Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) and Romain Bardet (Bora-Hansgrohe), who found themselves 20 seconds adrift following the final climb.

The sprinters who managed to endure the challenging hills, including names like Giacomo Nizzolo (Qhubeka NextHash), Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe), and Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal), concluded within the top 10, albeit unable to rival the burst of speed from the more punchier riders.

Jersey Wearers and Stage Winners

The first stage of the Giro de Tali 2024 unfolded with a thrilling opener that saw Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) clinch a close sprint against Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), securing both the stage win and the coveted first pink jersey. The Ecuadorian rider, leveraging his position behind Pogačar in the final stretch, managed to surpass the Slovenian champion by a mere bike length at the finish line.

Completing the podium, Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) finished three seconds behind the leader.

Stage 1 Podium

The results for the stage 1 podium are as follows:

PositionRiderTeamTime
1Jhonatan NarváezIneos Grenadiers3h 24′ 12”
2Tadej PogačarUAE Team Emiratessame time
3Maximilian SchachmannBora-Hansgrohe+ 3”

Narváez, who celebrated two stage victories at the Vuelta a España last year, claimed his first Giro stage win and his first Grand Tour leader’s jersey. Furthermore, he took the helm in both the points classification and the young rider classification. Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion and team leader of UAE Team Emirates, highlighted his prowess and determination for the overall victory, though he ultimately secured second place.

Schachmann, known as the German national champion and victor of Paris-Nice this year, proved to be the best of the rest, earning himself third place in the general classification.

Notable Moments and Reactions

The inaugural stage of the Giro de Tali 2024 captivated audiences with its thrilling excitement and was rich in remarkable moments and reactions from both the riders and the media. Highlighted below are some of the standout moments from the day:

  • Lilian Calmejane (Total Direct Energie) emerged as the most aggressive rider of the stage, launching attacks on all three climbs, which earned him the first King of the Mountains jersey of the race. His effort also won him the combativity prize, drawing adulation from his team and fans for his courageousperformance.
  • Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) asserted his dominance and ambitions for the overall victory by setting a blistering pace on the climbs and fiercely contesting the stage win. Although he narrowly missed the pink jersey, he gained valuable time on some rivals and was awarded the white jersey for the best young rider of the race.
  • Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) defied expectations with a remarkablesprint victory over Pogačar, securing his first Giro stage win and his first Grand Tour leader’s jersey. Additionally, he took the lead in both the points classification and the young rider classification, dedicating his victory to his family and country, and expressing gratitude towards his team for their support.
  • Romain Bardet (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) faced setbacks, losing 20 seconds on the final climb and falling out of the top 10 in the general classification. Despite their disappointment, both riders pledged to make a strong comeback in subsequent stages.
  • The media and fans were enthralled by the stage’s unpredictability and drama, lauding the riders for their stellar performances and bravery. The excitement for upcoming stages was palpable, highlighted by articles with titles like: [Giro d’Italia stage 1 Live – Puncheur opener to the hardest Grand Tour], [GIRO’24 Stage 1: The First Pink Goes to Narváez… Pogačar Splits the Race!], [The 6 Stages You Absolutely Can’t Miss at the 2024 Giro d’Italia], and [PREVIEW | Giro d’Italia 2024 stage 1 – Can anyone stop Tadej Pogacar from taking pink jersey on the first day of racing?].

Media Highlights

The inaugural stage of the Giro d’Italia 2024 was a captivating spectacle that seized the spotlight across media and fan communities alike. This stage was packed with action, drama, and emotion, and enjoyed live coverage on a multitude of platforms.

Below, we outline some key media highlights from the event:

Top Videos

To fully immerse in the stage’s excitement, catching up on the top videos shared on social media and various online platforms is a must. Here are a few standout videos from the day:

  • [Giro d’Italia 2024 Opening Ceremony & Teams Presentation]: Highlighting the ceremonial start at Turin’s Castello del Valentino, this video covers the opening ceremony and teams presentation of the Giro de Tali 2024. It includes interviews and speeches from riders, organizers, and dignitaries, alongside performances by artists and musicians. Moreover, it showcases the charm and historical essence of Turin, the proud host city of the first stage.
  • [Giro d’Italia 2024 | The Route: Stage 1]: Offering a detailed look at the first stage’s route from Venaria Reale to Turin, this video outlines the stage profile, covering distance, elevation, key climbs, swift descents, intermediate sprints, and the finish line. It also provides valuable insights and recommendations on the best vantage points, noteworthy attractions, and points of interest along the route.
  • [Giro d’Italia 2024 | Stage 1: Last KM]: Capturing the nail-biting final kilometer of the first stage, this video showcases the intense sprint finish between Jhonatan Narváez and Tadej Pogačar. It vividly conveys the final stage moments’ excitement, including the reactions and celebrations of the competitors, teams, and fans, as well as featuring the podium ceremony and interviews with the stage winner and jersey wearers.

Best Photos

Exploring the stage’s highlights through the lens of photographers and journalists offers another enriching perspective. Here are some of the most breathtaking and memorable photos captured on the day:

  • A photo of Lilian Calmejane (Total Direct Energie) mounting an attack on the Colle Maddalena, the day’s second climb. This image captures the French rider’s determination and bravery, showcasing him as the stage’s most aggressive rider and the first recipient of the King of the Mountains jersey in the race.
  • A photo of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) at the forefront of the peloton on the San Francesco del Campo, the final climb of the day. This picture reflects the Slovenian champion’s dominance and ambition, as he set a blistering pace up the climb and launched into a sprint for the stage victory. Though he narrowly missed the pink jersey, he secured a notable advantage over several rivals.
  • A photo of Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) triumphantly crossing the finish line ahead of Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe). The photograph illuminates the Ecuadorian rider’s joy and astonishment as he celebrated his first Giro stage victory and his debut lead in a Grand Tour, including topping the points classification and the young rider classification.

Last News

The opening stage of the Giro d’Italia 2024 was not just an exhilarating beginning; it also brought to light a plethora of news and developments from the event. Here are the latest updates:

  • The Giro de Tali 2024 has pledged to donate 10 euros for every kilometertraversed by the cyclists to the charity Save the Children, dedicated to aiding and protecting children in need worldwide. This initiative, termed “Giro for Children,” seeks to heighten awareness and marshal support for children’s rights and education.
  • In a move to encourage sustainability, the Giro de Tali 2024 will bestow a special award upon the cyclist who completes the race with the least environmental impact. Named “Giro Green,” this accolade will assess each competitor’s carbon footprint, considering factors like travel, equipment use, and overall consumption. The recipient will earn a trophy crafted from recycled materials, alongside a donation to an eco-friendly project of their picking.
  • Furthermore, the Giro de Tali 2024 has verified that the initial round of COVID-19 testing yielded no positive cases among participants and staff. The organizers acknowledge their adherence to stringent health norms and protocols to guarantee the health and safety of all race affiliates. They extend their gratitude to local officials and the general public for their indispensable cooperation and support.

Conclusion

The inaugural stage of the Giro d’Italia 2024 delivered an electrifying start, witnessing Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) narrowly defeating Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) in a nail-biting sprint to claim the stage victory and don the first pink jersey. This stage was filled with intense action, dramatic moments, and heartfelt emotions, serving as a magnificent display of Turin’s enchanting beauty and rich history.

Furthermore, the stage sparked a flurry of news and updates from the race, alongside some standout media highlights. The Giro de Tali 2024 has kicked off on a high note, and anticipation is building for more exhilarating and unpredictable moments in the upcoming stages.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the thrilling first stage. Stay tuned for more updates and engage with the Giro de Tali 2024 through our website, social media channels, and app. Don’t miss out on joining the conversation and sharing your insights and predictions with other enthusiasts.

FAQ

Where does the Giro start in 2024?

The Giro starts in 2024 in Torino, the capital city of Piemonte, on Saturday, May 4. It concludes in Rome, the capital city of Italy, on Sunday, May 26.

How to watch Giro d’Italia 2024 in the USA?

To watch Giro d’Italia 2024 in the USA, you have two options: Max or BeIN Sport. Max serves as the US streaming home for the Giro d’Italia races in 2024.

BeIN Sport is a cable TV channel that also broadcasts the cycling event.

Who won stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia?

The winner of stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia was Jhonatan Narvaez from Ineos Grenadiers. He triumphed over Tadej Pogacar from UAE Team Emirates in a sprint finish, following a late attack by the Slovenian.

What is the route of the Tour of Italy 2024?

The route of the Tour of Italy 2024 spans a 21-stage cycling race, covering 3,400.8 kilometers in a counter-clockwise direction, starting from Turin and concluding in Rome. This challenging route includes two time trials, six mountain top finishes, and 11.6 meters of gravel sections on stage 6.