Stage Overview: A Mountain Stage for the Ages

The stage was designed as a grueling test of endurance and climbing ability, with riders tackling the Passo Pordoi, Passo Gardena, and Passo Tre Croci—three of the most iconic climbs in Italian cycling. The weather, though chilly with temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F) and gusty winds, failed to deter the peloton, which delivered a tactical battle worthy of the Giro’s storied history.

Key Stats:

• Distance: 188 km
• Elevation Gain: 4,500 meters
• Start: Val di Fiemme (Italy) – 8:00 AM UTC (10:00 AM local)
• Finish: Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy) – 2:00 PM UTC (4:00 PM local)
• Stage Winner: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)
• General Classification Leader Post-Stage: Tadej Pogačar (+1:05 over Geraint Thomas)

The Climbs That Decided the Stage

The stage was won in the final kilometers, but the real drama unfolded on the Passo Tre Croci, where Pogačar dropped his rivals with surgical precision. Here’s how the climbs played out:

1. Passo Pordoi (14.5 km at 6.8%)

The first major climb of the day saw an early breakaway form, with a group of seven riders—including Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates)—escaping on the ascent. Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates teammates remained in the peloton, conserving energy for the later climbs.

2. Passo Gardena (12.3 km at 7.2%)

As the breakaway group neared the summit, Pogačar and Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) began a relentless chase. The gap was closed by the time the peloton reached the top, setting the stage for the final showdown. Van Aert, who had been leading the breakaway, was caught with 20 km remaining, leaving the stage wide open.

3. Passo Tre Croci (Final Ascent – 11.8 km at 8.5%)

With 25 km to go, Pogačar launched his attack, accelerating up the Passo Tre Croci with a searing sprint that left his rivals gasping. Thomas and Almeida were the only riders who could follow, but Pogačar’s explosive power saw him pull away by the 10-kilometer mark. He crossed the line in Cortina d’Ampezzo 30 seconds ahead of Thomas, securing his second stage win in three days.

Standings After Stage 10

The stage was a statement of intent from Pogačar, who now leads the general classification by a commanding 1 minute and 5 seconds over Thomas. Almeida remains third, 2 minutes and 12 seconds behind, while Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) holds onto fourth place, 2 minutes and 45 seconds down.

Tactical Breakdown: How Pogačar Won

Pogačar’s victory was a masterclass in race management. Here’s how he did it:

• Conservation of Energy: Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates teammates avoided the early breakaways, ensuring they arrived fresh for the final climbs.
• Selective Attacks: He waited until the Passo Tre Croci to launch his decisive move, knowing the gradient would favor his climbing ability.
• Team Support: UAE Team Emirates’s domestiques played a crucial role in shielding Pogačar from the wind and ensuring he arrived at each climb in optimal condition.
• Mental Toughness: With 10 km remaining, Pogačar’s relentless pace broke the will of his rivals, who were unable to respond to his acceleration.

What’s Next: The Road to the Maglia Rosa

The Giro d’Italia now shifts its focus to the high mountains of the Alps, with Stage 11 featuring a grueling ascent of the Stelvio Pass. Pogačar’s lead gives him a psychological advantage, but the race is far from decided. Almeida and Ayuso remain in contention, while Thomas will need to ride defensively to preserve his second-place position.

Upcoming Stages:

• Stage 11 (May 20): Merano to Aprica (195 km, including the Stelvio Pass)
• Stage 12 (May 21): Edolo to Bergamo (165 km, flat stage)
• Stage 13 (May 22): Bergamo to Cima Coppi (180 km, including the Mortirolo Pass)

Key Takeaways

• Pogačar’s dominance in the mountains solidifies his lead in the general classification.
• The Dolomites stage was a tactical masterpiece, with Pogačar’s late attack proving decisive.
• Almeida and Ayuso remain the biggest threats to Pogačar’s Maglia Rosa ambitions.
• The Alps are next, with the Stelvio and Mortirolo Passes offering more opportunities for breakaways and attacks.