Eulálio All But Secures Maglia Bianca After Final Mountain Stage of the Giro d’Italia
# Afonso Eulálio Poised for Maglia Bianca After Challenging Stage at Giro d’Italia
Afonso Eulálio has all but secured the coveted Maglia Bianca in the 2026 Giro d’Italia following a strong performance in Stage 20, the last significant mountain challenge of the race. The grueling 200km route stretched from Gemona del Friuli to Piancavallo, featuring the Clauzetto climb before the final ascent to Piancavallo, setting the stage for Eulálio’s impressive defense of his lead in the young rider classification.
The Bahrain Victorious team made it their top priority to safeguard Eulálio’s position as they worked to bring the white jersey through the final mountain stage. Eulálio faced his closest rival, Davide Piganzoli, but responded effectively under pressure, demonstrating his strength and determination throughout.
The stage itself was clinched by Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, who executed a solo attack during the final climb, crossing the finish line ahead of Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM Team) and Jai Hindley (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe). While Eulálio may have lost some ground to the general classification (GC) riders, he effectively maintained his leadership in the young rider standings.
As it stands after Stage 20, Eulálio leads the Maglia Bianca rankings and sits in sixth overall, with teammate Damiano Caruso also making his mark among the top ten in ninth place. This promising result caps off a Giro where Eulálio exhibited remarkable consistency throughout the grueling three-week race. Having worn the prestigious Maglia Rosa earlier in the event, Eulálio has successfully managed to defend his young rider classification amidst some of the toughest mountain stages.
Reflecting on his performance, Eulálio stated, “Today was another hard day, with long climbs again in the final. After yesterday’s stage, I was not feeling at my best mentally because it had been such a hard day, but the team and all the staff did an amazing job. They motivated me, they believed in me, and in the end, we kept fighting to bring home the Maglia Bianca.”
The significance of this achievement is not lost on Eulálio: “To finish this Giro with the white jersey, and with both me and Damiano in the top ten overall, is something I will never forget. This Giro will stay in my head forever.”
Bahrain Victorious Sports Director Franco Pellizotti expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “It was an amazing day for us. Stage 20 was difficult because Piganzoli was close, but Afonso did another amazing day. We arrive in Rome with this white jersey, and I’m very proud — not only about the jersey, but about the whole Giro.”
As the final stage in Rome approaches, the team reflects on a campaign filled with achievements, including the overall commitment and success following a challenging start to the Giro. With the Maglia Bianca nearly within reach, hopes run high for a memorable finish in the grand finale.
