The Giro d’Italia, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, continues to captivate fans worldwide with its grueling climbs, tactical battles, and breathtaking scenery. In 2025, the 108th edition of this iconic race has delivered unforgettable moments, particularly in its decisive final week. Stage 19, a mountainous showdown, saw Nicolas Prodhomme claim a solo victory while Isaac del Toro solidified his grip on the pink jersey. As the peloton tackled nearly 5,000 meters of elevation, the stage showcased the superhuman endurance of these riders, with EF Education-EasyPost driving a relentless pace up the Colle del Lys. With the race nearing its climax, the Giro d’Italia remains a thrilling spectacle of strategy and stamina.
Prodhomme’s Breakthrough Victory
Stage 19, a brutal 166-kilometer ride from Biella to Champoluc, tested the peloton with five classified climbs, including the punishing Col Tzecore and Col Saint-Pantaléon. Nicolas Prodhomme, a rider for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, seized his moment. Breaking away on the penultimate climb, Col de Joux, he rode solo for the final 30 kilometers, fending off the chasing general classification (GC) contenders. His victory marked his first Grand Tour stage win and made him the first Frenchman to triumph at this year’s Giro. Prodhomme’s bold move came after a week of near-misses, as he noted feeling stronger with every kilometer. His win was a testament to taking risks, a strategy that paid off spectacularly in the Alps.
Del Toro’s Pink Jersey Defense
Isaac del Toro, the 21-year-old Mexican sensation from UAE Team Emirates-XRG, continues to dominate the Giro d’Italia. Holding the maglia rosa since Stage 9, he faced a fierce challenge from 2019 champion Richard Carapaz on Stage 19. Carapaz launched a vicious attack with 6.7 kilometers remaining, but Del Toro responded with poise, sticking to his rival’s wheel. In a thrilling sprint for second place, Del Toro outpaced Carapaz, grabbing six bonus seconds to extend his GC lead to 43 seconds. This display of resilience has positioned Del Toro as the favorite to become the youngest Giro winner since 1940, with only the daunting Stage 20 standing in his way.
| Stage 19 Top 5 Results | Rider | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Prodhomme | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale | 4:50:35 |
| 2 | Isaac del Toro | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | +58s |
| 3 | Richard Carapaz | EF Education-EasyPost | +58s |
| 4 | Damiano Caruso | Bahrain Victorious | +1:22 |
| 5 | Brandon McNulty | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | +1:22 |
The Colle del Lys, while not part of Stage 19, looms large in the Giro d’Italia’s narrative as it awaits riders in Stage 20. This Category 2 climb, with its 13.7-kilometer ascent at a 4.3% average gradient, sets the stage for the race’s climactic battle on the Colle delle Finestre. On Stage 19, the peloton’s pace up similar climbs, like Col Tzecore, hit a blistering 47 kilometers per hour, driven by EF Education-EasyPost’s aggressive tactics. This relentless tempo reduced the breakaway’s gap, but Prodhomme’s solo effort held firm. The Colle del Lys in Stage 20 promises to be a launchpad for attacks, as riders like Carapaz and Simon Yates aim to challenge Del Toro’s lead before the grueling gravel sections of Finestre.
Stage 20: The Decisive Showdown
With Stage 20 approaching, the Giro d’Italia heads toward its defining moment. The 205-kilometer route from Verrès to Sestrière includes the monstrous Colle delle Finestre, an 18.5-kilometer climb with a 9% average gradient and 7 kilometers of gravel. In 2018, this climb saw Chris Froome’s legendary solo attack, flipping the race upside down. Del Toro, despite his youth, has shown tactical maturity, but Carapaz’s climbing prowess makes him a serious threat. Simon Yates, now 1:21 behind, slipped on Stage 19 but could still play a spoiler’s role. The stage’s 4,400 meters of elevation gain will test every rider’s legs and resolve, promising drama as the pink jersey hangs in the balance.
A Race for the Ages
The Giro d’Italia 2025 has been a rollercoaster of emotion and athleticism, with Stage 19 encapsulating its intensity. Prodhomme’s solo triumph and Del Toro’s dogged defense of the maglia rosa have set the stage for a thrilling finale. As the peloton prepares for the Colle delle Finestre, fans are bracing for a battle that could cement Del Toro’s legacy or see a veteran like Carapaz reclaim glory. Sunday’s final stage in Rome, a ceremonial procession, will crown the champion, but it’s Saturday’s mountains that will decide the Giro d’Italia’s fate. The race’s blend of strategy, courage, and raw power continues to make it a must-watch event for cycling enthusiasts.
Don’t miss the action! Tune in to Stage 20 to see if Isaac del Toro can hold off Richard Carapaz and claim the 2025 Giro d’Italia title. Share your predictions and join the conversation on social media!