Olave Cooj Claims Stage 9 Victory as Pogacar Maintains Overall Lead in Giro d’Italia
Naples, Italy – Alessandro Olave Cooj (Cofidis) secured his first Grand Tour stage win today, triumphing in a thrilling sprint finish at the end of the 214-kilometer stage from Avezzano to Naples. meanwhile, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) retained his commanding overall lead heading into the first rest day of the Giro d’Italia.
The stage saw a late attack from Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers), who briefly held a promising lead 7.6 kilometers from the finish line before being reeled in by the peloton. Pogačar demonstrated a surprising move, attempting to lead out teammate Fernando Gaviria Molano for the sprint, a gamble that risked a crash into the barriers. Molano finished third.
Jonny Milan (Lidl-Trek) sought his second stage victory of the Giro, positioning well on the wheel of Simone Consonni, but faded in the final twenty meters, losing crucial acceleration.
geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) faced adversity during the stage, losing time after a crash but remains in contention, currently sitting third overall.
Pogačar continues to dominate the general classification, displaying confidence – and perhaps a touch of defiance, reportedly indulging in sparkling wine despite strict dietary restrictions. however, analysts caution that overconfidence coudl prove detrimental, citing his risky sprint lead-out as an unnecessary risk to his own safety.
