The last chance – What to expect from the third week of the 2026 Giro d'Italia

The 2026 Giro d’Italia has entered its decisive third and final week, with Jonas Vingegaard firmly in control of the maglia rosa after a commanding performance on the summit finish to Pila. Despite early illness, the Danish rider has gained a significant lead over his rivals, holding a margin of over two minutes ahead of Afonso Eulálio and nearly three minutes on Felix Gall. Vingegaard’s dominance in the mountain stages, including victories at Blockhaus and Corno alle Scale, positions him as the clear favourite to secure overall victory as the race approaches its conclusion in Rome. The final week promises intense competition, particularly across the challenging Dolomite stages and the crucial summit finishes at Alleghe and Piancavallo. While Vingegaard’s team, Visma-Lease a Bike, is expected to control the race, there remains potential for shifts on the general classification podium. Riders such as Eulálio, Gall, Thymen Arensman, Jai Hindley, and Giulio Pellizzari are all within striking distance and could challenge for podium places, especially on the demanding climbs of the last stages. Young riders are also making a significant impact in this edition of the Giro. Eulálio currently leads the best young rider classification, but faces strong competition from Pellizzari, who recently won the Tour of the Alps, and Davide Piganzoli, a key domestique for Vingegaard who has impressed with his own top finishes. Other promising talents like Mathys Rondel and Markel Beloki are also in contention, highlighting the race’s role as a proving ground for the next generation of Grand Tour contenders. Beyond the battle for the overall lead, the fight for the maglia ciclamino, awarded to the points classification leader, has been a captivating subplot. Sprinters and opportunists have seized moments throughout the race, with stage wins and breakaways adding excitement to the competition. As the Giro nears its finale, all eyes will be on how these various contests unfold, with the final stages offering opportunities for both climbers and sprinters to leave their mark on this prestigious Grand Tour.