As it happened: Redemption at the last in Giro d'Italia sprint finale as jerseys are decided in Rome

The final stage of the 2026 Giro d’Italia unfolded in Rome, culminating in a dramatic sprint finish that saw Jonathan Milan seize a last-gasp stage victory. Meanwhile, Jonas Vingegaard secured the overall pink jersey, completing his Grand Tour collection and cementing his status among cycling’s elite. The stage featured a challenging circuit through the Eternal City, with numerous twists and turns that tested the riders’ skill and concentration right up to the finish line. Throughout the day, the race maintained a lively tempo despite a slow start, with Visma-Lease a Bike eventually taking control to reel in breakaways and set up the sprint. Key classifications were confirmed, including Paul Magnier’s purple jersey for the points competition, Giulio Ciccone’s third mountains classification win, and Afonso Eulálio’s impressive performance in the white jersey for best young rider. Diego Pablo Sevilla also claimed the Fuga classification after spending over 700 kilometres in breakaways, highlighting the race’s tactical depth beyond the general classification battle. The atmosphere was celebratory yet intense, with riders donning custom kits and personalised bikes to mark their achievements. Vingegaard’s pink bike, adorned with symbols of his Grand Tour victories, stood out as a testament to his remarkable season. Meanwhile, the peloton paid tribute to those who had to abandon, including Jhonatan Narváez, whose crash was attributed to a sudden braking incident ahead of him. The final laps through Rome’s historic streets combined pageantry with high stakes, ensuring a fitting conclusion to the three-week race. Looking ahead, Vingegaard’s Giro triumph completes a rare feat, joining the ranks of riders who have won all three Grand Tours. The final stage’s sprint victory by Milan also signals the emergence of new talent capable of challenging established sprinters. With key classifications settled and the race concluded, attention now turns to the upcoming Grand Tour seasons and how these performances will shape team strategies and rider ambitions moving forward.