Nico Denz of Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe claimed a stunning victory in Stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia, marking his team's first win in this year's event. The 144km route from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno saw Denz break away from an 11-rider group with 11km remaining, ultimately crossing the finish line a full minute ahead of the chasing pack.

Key Highlights

• Nico Denz's Triumph: Denz's victory was his third stage win in the Giro d'Italia, a testament to his endurance and strategic prowess. This win was particularly emotional for Denz, who dedicated it to his team's collective effort after the loss of their lead rider, Primoz Roglic, due to a crash earlier in the race.
• Isaac del Toro's Leadership: Despite Denz's victory, Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG retained his overall lead, holding a 41-second advantage over Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost. Del Toro's consistent performance has kept him in the coveted pink jersey as the race heads into its final stages.
• Team Challenges: The stage was not without its challenges. Del Toro's teammate, Juan Ayuso, was forced to withdraw after suffering an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Ayuso's determination to start the race despite medical advice highlighted the team's resilience.

Stage 18 Results

1. Nico Denz (Ger/Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) – 3hrs 12mins 07secs
2. Mirco Maestri (Ita/Team Polti VisitMalta) – +1min 01sec
3. Edward Planckaert (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck) – Same time

General Classification After Stage 18

1. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) – 68hrs 56mins 32secs
2. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/EF Education-EasyPost) – +41secs
3. Simon Yates (GB/Visma-Lease a Bike) – +51secs

As the Giro d'Italia progresses, the competition intensifies, with every second crucial in the battle for the pink jersey. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the world of professional cycling.