'There is already something going on in the bunch' - Threat of illness after cold, wet Giro d'Italia stage 5 more concerning than 6:22 deficit for Visma-Lease a Bike

Jonas Vingegaard and his Visma-Lease a Bike team remain unperturbed by the 6:22 time deficit to the new Giro d’Italia race leader, Afonso Eulálio, following the fifth stage. Eulálio, who gained the pink jersey from a breakaway, finished over seven minutes ahead of the main group of general classification (GC) favourites. Despite the substantial gap, Visma’s sports director Marc Reef expressed confidence ahead of the first major mountain stage, emphasising that the team managed the challenging conditions well and that the time loss was not a cause for concern. The fifth stage was marked by cold, wet weather and tricky descents, prompting Visma to prioritise protective clothing and rider safety. Vingegaard was well equipped with weather-resistant gear, changing his jacket only once, which helped him endure the harsh conditions without issue. Reef highlighted the team’s careful preparation and the importance of keeping Vingegaard sheltered from the elements, which proved crucial on such a demanding day. Rival teams, particularly Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, showed some activity towards the latter part of the stage, briefly setting the pace to position themselves for the descent. However, their sports director Christian Pömer indicated that the responsibility to chase down Eulálio’s lead primarily lies with Visma, who entered the race as favourites. Red Bull’s main goal remains securing a podium finish, with their leaders Giulio Pellizzari and Jai Hindley closely matched with Vingegaard in the overall standings after five stages. Looking ahead, both teams acknowledge that the Giro’s outcome will be shaped in the coming mountain stages and the final week, rather than the early days of racing. Pömer downplayed the significance of immediate time gaps, stressing the importance of energy conservation and strategic racing over the three-week Grand Tour. Meanwhile, Reef’s chief concern centres on the health risks posed by the adverse weather, warning that illness could become a decisive factor in the peloton’s fortunes as the race progresses. In summary, while the time deficit to the race leader is notable, Visma-Lease a Bike remain composed and focused on the bigger picture. The team’s priority is to keep Vingegaard healthy and well-positioned for the demanding mountain stages ahead, where the real battle for the Giro d’Italia is expected to unfold. The challenging conditions of stage five have underscored the importance of resilience and preparation in what promises to be a fiercely contested race.