'The Giro is not over' - Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari combine to fight back in Giro d'Italia GC podium battle

Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe demonstrated resilience and teamwork during the challenging mountain stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia, despite recent illness concerns. Although they were unable to match the dominant performance of race leader Jonas Vingegaard, both riders improved their positions in the general classification (GC). Hindley moved up to fifth overall, just under four minutes behind Vingegaard, while Pellizzari climbed to sixth place, signalling a renewed challenge for the final week of the race. The stage to Pila featured a relentless pace set by Vingegaard’s Visma-Lease a Bike team, which tested the riders’ limits on the 16.5-kilometre climb. Pellizzari, wearing the white jersey for the best young rider, initially appeared to struggle but found renewed strength with the help of teammate Ben Zwiehoff. When Vingegaard launched his decisive attack with under five kilometres remaining, Pellizzari was able to distance several rivals and support Hindley’s bid to stay close to Felix Gall, who currently holds the podium’s lower positions. Both riders showed contrasting but complementary qualities, with Pellizzari openly reflecting on his mental battle and gradual recovery from illness. He expressed gratitude towards his support team and emphasised that the Giro is far from over, signalling confidence in their prospects for the remaining stages. Hindley, meanwhile, remained modest about his performance but was clearly satisfied with the progress made, hinting at his ambition to contend for a podium finish in Rome. The battle for the young rider’s white jersey also remains open, with Pellizzari now just under two minutes behind current leader Afonso Eulálio. The duo’s combined efforts offer hope for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe as the race enters its decisive phase, with the rest day providing a crucial opportunity for recovery. Their determination and tactical collaboration could yet disrupt Vingegaard’s control and reshape the final general classification standings.