Giro 26 St.11 Narváez Strikes Again in Chiavari – Third Win as GC Men Hold

Jhonatan Narváez continued his remarkable run at the 2026 Giro d’Italia by securing his third stage victory on Stage 11, a challenging 195km route from Porcari to Chiavari. The Ecuadorian rider once again demonstrated tactical acumen and resilience, out-sprinting Enric Mas after a punishing series of climbs in the final kilometres. The stage featured a relentless succession of ascents, including the Colle di Guaitarola and San Bartolomeo, which shattered the peloton and set the scene for a dramatic finish. The race was marked by aggressive early attacks and a chaotic breakaway that initially included 15 riders, with notable names such as Giulio Ciccone and Jasper Stuyven. Despite several regroupings and crashes, a select group of riders emerged at the front, with Narváez and Mas ultimately breaking clear on the final climb. The descent and run-in to Chiavari saw the pair maintain a narrow advantage, with Narváez’s superior sprint proving decisive in the closing metres. Narváez reflected on the stage’s difficulty, highlighting the tactical challenges of missing early breaks and responding to Mas’s attacks on the climbs. He admitted to pushing himself to the limit throughout the day, especially during the sprint finish where Mas’s aggressive move nearly forced him off course. His victory underlined his growing reputation as a formidable opportunist in this year’s race. Meanwhile, the general classification contenders remained cautious, with no significant moves or time gaps among the favourites. Afonso Eulálio retained the maglia rosa, preserving his overall lead as the race heads into its more demanding phases. Stage 11 thus belonged to Narváez’s bold and relentless riding, signalling that he remains a key figure to watch in the ongoing battle for Giro glory.