As it happened : XDS-Astana reign in Naples after cobbles, late corners, crashes and chaos in high-speed sprint

Davide Ballerini claimed a dramatic victory on stage 6 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia in Naples, navigating a chaotic finale marked by cobbled streets, slick conditions, and a late crash that took out many of the race favourites. The stage, which featured a high-speed sprint finish through the narrow and treacherous roads of central Naples, saw Ballerini capitalise on the misfortune of others to secure a memorable win for XDS-Astana. His triumph was all the more remarkable given the unexpected nature of the victory and the challenging circumstances in the closing moments. The race finale was marred by a significant crash in the last corner, triggered by wet cobbles and the tight, technical layout of the finish. Several top sprinters, including Jonathan Milan and Dylan Groenewegen, were caught up in the incident, with Groenewegen sustaining injuries but praising his team’s strong lead-out effort. Milan expressed frustration at the stage design, questioning the decision to include such a hazardous finish on slippery cobbles, which has sparked debate about rider safety and course planning in the Giro. Ballerini, who has often played a supporting role in previous races, described the win as a long-awaited breakthrough. He recounted how he initially worked for his teammate Matteo Malucelli before seizing the opportunity when the crash opened a gap in the final stretch. The victory not only rewarded his perseverance but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing on such demanding terrain. The emotional win was a significant moment for XDS-Astana, who celebrated their rider’s success amid the chaos. Looking ahead, the race now shifts focus to the much-anticipated Blockhaus stage, the longest and most mountainous of this year’s Giro. With the general classification contenders expected to come to the fore, including Jonas Vingegaard who stayed safely at the back of the peloton today, the race promises to intensify. The events in Naples have also reignited discussions about stage design and rider safety, issues that organisers will likely need to address to prevent similar incidents in future editions.