'The important thing was we tried' - Movistar put everything out there but fail to capture Giro d'Italia stage

Movistar made a striking impression on the opening Italian stage of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, asserting control on the category 2 Cozzo Tunno climb and shaking up the race dynamics. The Spanish WorldTour team positioned several riders at the front from the base of the 15-kilometre ascent, maintaining a relentless pace that caused significant splits in the peloton. Their aggressive approach not only dropped the two-day race leader Guillermo Silva but also caught one of the general classification favourites, Egan Bernal, off guard, signalling Movistar’s intent to challenge the established hierarchy early on. By the summit of Cozzo Tunno, Movistar retained a strong presence with key riders including Enric Mas, who advanced to eighth overall, alongside Einer Rubio, Orluis Aular, and Nelson Oliveira. The team’s sustained effort extended through the descent to the finish in Cosenza, demonstrating impressive cohesion and stamina. Although Aular ultimately missed out on taking the stage victory, Movistar’s ability to dictate the race tempo for such a prolonged period was a clear statement of ambition and tactical strength that will likely influence how rivals approach subsequent stages. Nelson Oliveira reflected on the team’s performance, emphasising that their aggressive tactics were carefully planned rather than impulsive. He acknowledged the disappointment of not securing the stage win but highlighted the collective effort and motivation that the team gained from the day’s ride. Oliveira also noted that while Enric Mas is considered an outside podium contender, the team’s initial goal remains a top-five finish in Rome, underlining that the Giro is far from decided and that Movistar is prepared to fight hard throughout the race. The early assertiveness shown by Movistar adds a new dimension to the competition, especially on a day when other strong teams like Visma-Lease a Bike were also prominent. Their unexpected surge on the climb could unsettle the favourites and inject fresh intrigue into the general classification battle. With many stages still to come, Movistar’s willingness to take risks and work collectively may prove pivotal as the race unfolds, keeping their rivals on alert and the overall contest wide open.