Rémi Cavagna claims a remarkable podium finish
# Rémi Cavagna Achieves Stellar Podium Finish at Giro d’Italia
In a spectacular return to form, Rémi Cavagna has secured a remarkable third-place finish during an individual time trial at the 2026 Giro d’Italia, marking his first podium in a Grand Tour in nearly four years. The French cyclist showcased his prowess on the course from Viareggio to Massa, finishing behind only Filippo Ganna and Thymen Arensman. This achievement stands as his second WorldTour podium of the season, providing a significant boost for Groupama-FDJ United as they embark on the second half of the race.
The time trial, a pure test of power spanning 42 kilometers, was characterized by a flat route with minimal corners, making it ideal for elite time trialists. “It was a beautiful time trial, and for once it was really designed for the pure specialists,” Cavagna noted with a smile. Coach Joseph Berlin-Sémon echoed this sentiment, highlighting the course’s alignment with Cavagna’s strengths, stating, “It’s an effort he enjoys and masters.” The focus was on maintaining high power output over the distance, with minimal tactical maneuvers required.
Cavagna began his race just under ten minutes after stage favorite Ganna. At the first checkpoint after 16.5 kilometers, he was already showing promising signs, trailing Ganna by only 41 seconds yet still holding a comfortable second place. By the second checkpoint at 28.5 kilometers, he maintained that position, just over a minute behind Ganna.
“The last ten kilometres felt very long,” Cavagna recounted. “I faded ever so slightly, but I was still maintaining my pace. From the information I was getting through the radio, I knew I was fighting for second place, so I gave absolutely everything.” Ultimately, he crossed the finish line with a time just 1’59 behind Ganna, but was edged out by Arensman, who finished just five seconds ahead.
Reflecting on his performance, Cavagna expressed satisfaction despite the narrow loss. “I was slowed down while overtaking vehicles during the race, and second place was probably decided there,” he admitted. “Apart from that, I’m very satisfied. This time trial had been a target for me for several months, and I was clearly aiming for the podium. The objective has been achieved. I’m happy with my performance; it shows that my legs are good, and it’s going to give the team a boost.”
With this noteworthy finish, Cavagna not only secured his second WorldTour podium of the season—his first being at the UAE Tour—but also set the stage for further successes in the upcoming stages of the Giro. “This season, the goal was really to step up and confirm his level,” Coach Berlin-Sémon explained. “He first showed that at the UAE Tour, then we could see that training was going well, and today he confirmed it again with a podium at the Giro.”
Cavagna, pleased with the team dynamics, added, “We get along really well within the team, and the atmosphere is fantastic. We still haven’t achieved the results we were hoping for on the road stages, but we’re getting closer. I feel like we’re improving over time, and we have high hopes for the rest of this Giro.”
As the Giro progresses, all eyes will be on Rémi Cavagna to see if he can continue his upward trajectory and contribute to Groupama-FDJ United’s ambitions in the 2026 edition of the race.
