The Giro could have been played on an unfortunate chain jump. While competing in the 20th stage of the Tour of Italy this Saturday, Primoz Roglic suffered a mechanical problem during an ascent.
But despite his chain jump, and while Geraint Thomas therefore seemed to be heading for a victory in this Tour of Italy, Primoz Roglic managed to take 40 seconds from the Briton – who collapsed in the last meters – to take the first place overall.
“My chain jumped but I didn’t panic. I put it back on, and I left, ”recalled the winner of the day after the race, at the microphone of Eurosport. “I knew that the public was going to give me a few more watts,” he added, who was supported by hundreds of supporters during the stage, which took place a few meters from Slovenia.
A revenge on the Grande Boucle 2020
In the general classification, he is now 14 seconds ahead of Geraint Thomas. He therefore obtained the pink jersey on the eve of the last stage, synonymous with certain coronation for the Slovenian. His first title at the Giro, in three appearances. His fourth title in a grand tour, he who has already won in Spain in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The outcome of the day, which should crown Primoz Roglic when the title seemed destined for another, also acts as revenge for the Slovenian runner. In 2020, he wore the yellow jersey for 11 days during the Tour de France, before being beaten at the post by Tadej Pogacar during the 20th stage, and finishing second.
For Geraint Thomas, regrets will be there this Saturday. The Briton stopped for long seconds to change his helmet in the middle of the time trial. A few moments that could have had all their importance in the general classification… where only 14 seconds separate the first two.
