Afonso Battles Through ITT to Retain Maglia Rosa
# Afonso Eulálio Defies Odds to Hold Onto Maglia Rosa After ITT
**Massa, Italy** – Afonso Eulálio successfully defended his lead in the Giro d’Italia, retaining the coveted Maglia Rosa after the race’s only individual time trial stage, which stretched 42 kilometers from Viareggio to Massa. The Portuguese rider not only kept hold of the pink jersey but also retained the Maglia Bianca after his performance on May 19, 2026.
The stage presented a flat and swift challenge along the picturesque Tuscan coast, characterized by its long, open roads. Filippo Ganna of Netcompany INEOS claimed victory with an impressive time of 45 minutes and 53 seconds, followed by teammate Thymen Arensman in second place, who finished 1 minute and 54 seconds behind. Rémi Cavagna of Groupama-FDJ United rounded out the podium in third, finishing 1 minute and 59 seconds off the winner.
For Eulálio, the strategy was straightforward: maintain the effort, minimize losses, and protect his lead. He completed the course in 50 minutes and 50 seconds, finishing 41st on the day but ensuring that he remained in the overall lead. Although he lost 1 minute and 57 seconds to top rival Jonas Vingegaard, his overall advantage now stands at 27 seconds.
“Our objective was to arrive at the time trial in the pink jersey and try to get through the day still in pink,” said Franco Pellizotti, who praised Eulálio’s performance. “We did that, so mission accomplished. We are very proud to keep the Maglia Rosa after a stage like this, because we knew how difficult it could be for us. Tomorrow we start again with the Maglia Rosa, and from there we continue day by day.”
Eulálio himself expressed his mixed feelings regarding the time trial, stating, “I thought I would lose the Maglia Rosa today because normally time trials are the hardest thing for me… but I just kept fighting, and I think the Maglia Rosa gives some extra power.” Reflecting on the race, he added, “I just want to keep these jerseys because I think both the Maglia Rosa and the Maglia Bianca give me something extra.”
Eulálio’s teammate, Alec Segaert, also showed strong form during the time trial, finishing 16th on the stage, contributing to a notable day for Bahrain Victorious. As the Giro d’Italia heads into its next stages, all eyes will be on Eulálio as he aims to maintain his lead and continue his extraordinary journey.
