The Giro d’Italia continues to deliver drama and spectacle as the race charges into its final weekend. On Friday, the mountainous stage 19 became a showcase for Frenchman Nicolas Prodhomme, who powered away for a career-defining solo victory. Meanwhile, Isaac del Toro of Mexico solidified his grip on the maglia rosa, fending off late attacks and extending his overall lead as the peloton braced for the decisive Alpine showdown.
Prodhomme Solos to Glory in the Mountains
Stage 19 of the Giro d’Italia was always going to be a test of endurance and ambition. The 166-kilometer route from Biella to Champoluc featured five categorized climbs, nearly 5,000 meters of elevation gain, and relentless heat. Riders faced the Croce Serra, Col Tzecore, Saint-Pantaléon, Col de Joux, and a summit finish at Antagnod, each ascent sapping strength and exposing weaknesses.
Nicolas Prodhomme, riding for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, seized his moment with a bold attack on the Col de Joux, breaking away from a dwindling lead group. With 28 kilometers to go, he committed fully, building a gap that would prove insurmountable. The Frenchman’s face was etched with effort as he crested the final climbs, but his determination never wavered. Crossing the finish line in Champoluc, Prodhomme celebrated his first Grand Tour stage win—a breakthrough that comes just weeks after his maiden professional victory.
“I’ve waited a long time for a win,” Prodhomme said after the finish. “I won my first race a week ago, and now I win here in the Giro d’Italia. My feeling was not good on the first climb, but I had to take a risk. Today, I wanted to play for the win—it’s super nice for me.”
Del Toro Extends Overall Lead Amid GC Fireworks
While Prodhomme was savoring his solo triumph, the general classification contenders were locked in a tactical battle behind. Isaac del Toro, the 21-year-old sensation from Mexico riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, faced repeated attacks from former Giro champion Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost). Carapaz, seeking to claw back time, launched a fierce move on the final climb, but Del Toro matched every acceleration, refusing to yield even a second.
Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike), another key GC rival, struggled to follow the pace, conceding precious seconds to the leading duo. By the end of the stage, Del Toro had not only neutralized his closest challengers but also increased his overall advantage. He now leads Carapaz by 43 seconds, with Yates a further 38 seconds adrift.
The peloton, led by teams like EF Education-EasyPost, set a punishing tempo throughout the day, ensuring that any breakaway would have to earn every meter. Yet, Prodhomme’s daring paid off, while the main contenders conserved energy for the crucial battles still to come.
Stage 19 Results and What’s Next
Top 5 Stage 19 Finishers:
- Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale)
- Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +58s
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) same time
- Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious) +1:22
- Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
GC Standings After Stage 19:
- Isaac del Toro (Mexico) — maglia rosa
- Richard Carapaz (Ecuador) +43s
- Simon Yates (Great Britain) +1:21
Saturday’s penultimate stage is set to be the ultimate test: a blockbuster finish at the Sestriere ski resort, culminating in a brutal 20-kilometer climb up the Colle delle Finestre. This legendary ascent, with its gravel sections and steep gradients, is likely to decide the winner of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. The final stage on Sunday will be a celebratory procession into Rome, passing through Vatican City, where a jubilant Mexican contingent is expected to cheer their hero.
The Giro d’Italia Delivers Unforgettable Moments
As the Giro d’Italia enters its final act, the tension is palpable. Prodhomme’s emotional victory offers a reminder of the race’s unpredictability and the rewards of courage. For Isaac del Toro, the dream of overall victory is within touching distance, but he must survive one more day of Alpine warfare. Richard Carapaz and Simon Yates remain dangerous, each hoping to overturn the deficit on the slopes of the Finestre.
Fans can expect fireworks on Saturday, with everything still to play for in cycling’s most beautiful and brutal Grand Tour. Whether you’re cheering for the underdog or the favorites, the Giro d’Italia continues to inspire and captivate with every pedal stroke.
Don’t miss the final weekend—tune in for the decisive climbs, the celebrations in Rome, and the crowning of a new champion. Share your predictions and join the conversation as the Giro d’Italia reaches its thrilling conclusion!