Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Simon Yates secures Giro d’Italia lead with decisive Colle delle Finestre attack

With a five-minute cushion earned on the Colle delle Finestre, Yates enters Sunday’s Rome procession needing only to cross the line to claim his second Grand Tour title.

Cycling - Giro d'Italia - Stage 20 - Verres to Sestriere - Italy - May 31, 2025 Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Simon Yates after crossing the finish line during stage 20 REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Yates produced an incredible performance to claim his second Grand Tour title
Cycling - Giro d'Italia - Stage 20 - Verres to Sestriere - Italy - May 31, 2025 Spectators look on from Colle delle Finestre during stage 20 REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Cycling - Giro d'Italia - Stage 20 - Verres to Sestriere - Italy - May 31, 2025 UAE Team Emirates's Isaac Del Toro wearing the maglia rosa jersey crosses the finish line during stage 20 REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

Overview

  • Yates moved from third overall to race leader by launching a solo attack on the penultimate stage’s Colle delle Finestre climb.
  • He finished nearly four minutes clear of Isaac Del Toro, transforming an 81-second deficit into a commanding lead.
  • Australian Chris Harper broke from a 31-rider breakaway to win the 205 km penultimate stage, claiming his first Grand Tour stage victory.
  • This marks Yates’s second Grand Tour title bid after his 2018 Vuelta a España win and redemption on the same climb that cost him the 2018 Giro.
  • Sunday’s final stage is set as a ceremonial procession through Rome and the Vatican, requiring Yates only to cross the line to secure the Giro d’Italia trophy.