Giro d’Italia: Santiago Buitrago Clinches Stage 19, Derek Gee Narrowly Misses Out on Maiden Victory
On a grueling Stage 19 at the Giro d’Italia, Colombian Santiago Buitrago outpowered Canadian Derek Gee to clinch the top spot, leaving the rising star from Ottawa to settle for his fourth second-place finish of the race. The 25-year-old Gee, competing in his debut Grand Tour event, showcased immense potential with six top-five finishes in the 19 stages completed so far, including four second places and two fourths.
As Gee stands 22nd in the general classification, he also boasts an impressive second-place standing in both the points race behind Italy’s Jonathan Milan and the King of the Mountain rankings behind France’s Thibaut Pinot. Despite falling agonizingly short of his maiden victory, Gee remains optimistic, saying:
“Four second places hurts, but it makes me hungrier moving forward to get that first win.”
Gee went on to praise his team’s unrelenting efforts throughout the Giro, stating:
“I’m super proud of the team at this Giro. We showed what we are made of, and even if we didn’t get that stage win, I think we gave ourselves the best chance to do it almost every day.”
In a separate battle for the overall title, veteran Geraint Thomas continues his quest to become the oldest Giro d’Italia champion, maintaining a slim 26-second lead over his closest rival, Primoz Rogli. Although Rogli narrowed the gap after Friday’s treacherous Queen Stage, Thomas remains poised to rewrite history going into the decisive penultimate stage on Saturday.
The 183-kilometer route from Longarone to Tre Cime di Lavaredo featured five daunting climbs and an altitude gain of 5,400 metres, pushing the world’s top cyclists to their limits. Rogli momentarily seized the initiative after a swift bike change before the penultimate ascent, but Thomas countered with a vigorous attack in the final 500 metres to potentially seal his fate as a world cycling championships contender.
As British Cycling fans hold their collective breath, the ultimate showdown beckons in Saturday’s mountain time trial, which culminates with a daunting climb up Monte Lussari. Will Geraint Thomas etch his name in the record books, or can Primoz Rogli conjure a stunning comeback? Sunday’s ceremonial finish in Rome awaits the victor.
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