'I knew it was possible' - Felix Gall and Jai Hindley celebrate Giro d'Italia podium after final battle up to Piancavallo

Felix Gall and Jai Hindley secured podium finishes at the Giro d’Italia following a fierce final battle on the Piancavallo climb. Gall, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, edged out Hindley of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in a sprint finish, with Derek Gee-West (Lidl-Trek) completing the top three for the stage. However, the dominant Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) maintained his supremacy, winning the mountain stage and extending his overall lead to more than five minutes, ultimately claiming the Giro title. Gall’s performance marked a significant breakthrough, as the Austrian secured his first Grand Tour podium after consistent top-ten finishes in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. He credited his team’s collective effort and meticulous preparation for the success, highlighting the absence of setbacks such as crashes or illness. Gall’s determination to reach the podium was evident throughout the race, repeatedly finishing just behind Vingegaard and demonstrating remarkable resilience over the three weeks. Hindley, who battled illness in the latter stages, expressed relief and satisfaction at securing third place overall. The Australian’s podium finish at the Giro is his first Grand Tour top-three result since winning the race in 2022, adding to his previous second place in 2020. Hindley emphasised the importance of Grand Tours in his career, describing them as the pinnacle of cycling and the primary motivation behind his racing ambitions. The battle for the remaining top positions saw Derek Gee-West impressively gain time on his rivals, though he will finish fifth overall behind Thymen Arensman, who held onto fourth place despite losing some time. The final podium in Rome will feature Vingegaard, Gall, and Hindley, reflecting a competitive and strategic race that showcased emerging talents alongside established stars. The Giro’s conclusion sets the stage for future Grand Tours, with these riders likely to remain key contenders.