The 106th edition of the Giro d'Italia concluded with the stage of the Imperial Forums in Rome; the most important Italian cycling race saw Primoz Roglic victorious. Mark Cavendish won the last stage in Rome. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, first applauded the whole group upon arrival at the Imperial Forums and then presented the winner's trophy to Roglic. The Giro n.106 experienced a real celebration in Rome for its winner, the first Slovenian in the history of the pink race to bring his country into the roll of honour.
Roglic wins the 106th Giro d'Italia
“We experienced a roller coaster ride, but then I was breathing again. This is a spectacular day." These are Roglic's first words, at the end of a race hampered by retirements for covid, ailments, bad weather and falls. "I'm enjoying this wonderful day, I can't describe these moments in words," she added. The scenery is suggestive, the circuit among the wonders of Rome offers an incredible glance. And for the first time in the history of the Giro, the President of the Republic is at the Forum for the award ceremony. Mattarella was welcomed by the president of Coni, Giovanni Malagò, by Urbano Cairo, president of RCS, by the prefect of Rome Lamberto Giannini. Also present were the president of the international cycling federation, David Lappartient, and the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
The head of state also invited Borut Pahor, his personal friend, former president of the Slovenian republic to the presidential rostrum. Representing the government were Foreign Ministers Antonio Tajani and Sport Minister Andrea Abodi. In the final sprint, characterized by a fall at 300 meters involving seven runners, Cavendish beat the Luxembourgian Kirsch and the Sicilian Fiorelli. While the eagerly awaited Milan didn't have the strength to sprint and also Gaviria, as in all the sprints of this round, 'sat down' soon after launching the sprint.
Last stop at the Imperial Forums
Just behind the sprinters, Roglic crossed the finish line with his arms raised to the sky. The first part of the stage was a real catwalk dedicated to the Slovenian and his team, la Jumbo Visma. Many compliments also from his colleagues for the Slovenian, who was also alongside his rival Geraint Thomas for several minutes, overtaken in the standings on Monte Lussari. The last stage in Rome ended with the triumph of Cavendish in front of Alex Kirsch, Filippo Fiorelli and Alberto Dainese. And with the party for Roglic. Mattarella crowned him in a summer version of Rome, kissed by the sun.
(Images from quirinale.it)
