The Giro d’Italia roared into its final mountain stages with drama, daring, and domination. Stage 19 saw Nicolas Prodhomme surge to a solo victory in the high Alps while young sensation Isaac Del Toro tightened his hold on the pink jersey. The Giro d’Italia has been full of surprises this year, and Stage 19 might go down as one of the most thrilling yet.
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Prodhomme Powers to Glory
Nicolas Prodhomme of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale stunned the cycling world with a fearless solo breakaway on Friday’s mountainous Stage 19. With 166 km of steep climbing from Mortegliano to Sappada, this wasn’t a stage for the faint-hearted. But Prodhomme, who was part of a 10-rider early breakaway, launched his attack on the penultimate climb, the Passo Duron, and never looked back.
He stayed away in the thin Alpine air, grinding up the brutal gradients with grit. His final push came on the climb to Sappada, where he crossed the line alone, pumping his fists in disbelief and joy. It was his first professional victory, and what a way to do it—in the Giro d’Italia, in the mountains, in commanding style.
“I saw a chance and I went for it,” Prodhomme reportedly said after the finish, barely able to catch his breath. “This is a dream come true.”
Giro d’Italia GC Battle: Del Toro Extends His Lead
Behind the breakaway, the general classification battle raged. UAE Team Emirates’ Isaac Del Toro once again showed his class. The 20-year-old Mexican phenom was not just defending the pink jersey—he was attacking with it. As EF Education-EasyPost set a blistering tempo up the Colle de Lys, Del Toro remained calm and composed.
In the final 10 kilometers, he launched a calculated move that saw him gain precious seconds over his closest rival, Richard Carapaz. Carapaz, while experienced and strong, couldn’t match Del Toro’s pace on the final ascent and crossed the line 16 seconds later.
This now puts Del Toro 43 seconds ahead of Carapaz in the general classification—an increasingly comfortable margin with just two stages left.
Stage 19 Top Finishers
Here’s how the day’s top finishers looked:
| Position | Rider | Team | Time Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Prodhomme | Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale | — |
| 2 | Isaac Del Toro | UAE Team Emirates | +33 seconds |
| 3 | Derek Gee | Israel-Premier Tech | +36 seconds |
Prodhomme’s victory was solo and sensational, while Del Toro’s time gain could prove decisive in the fight for pink.
Giro d’Italia Nears Its Decisive Climax
With just two stages remaining, the Giro d’Italia is heading toward an epic conclusion. Stage 20 is a brutal mountain ride from Alpago to Bassano del Grappa, featuring two ascents of Monte Grappa. The final day in Rome is expected to be a sprinter’s parade, making Stage 20 the last chance for any meaningful shifts in the general classification.
Isaac Del Toro’s team will need to control the race perfectly on the climbs. Carapaz, a past Giro winner, is unlikely to give up without a fight. If Del Toro holds on, he’ll become the youngest Giro winner in over 100 years.
What to Watch Heading Into the Final Weekend
Fans of the Giro d’Italia should keep an eye on:
- Stage 20’s Double Monte Grappa Climb – Expect GC fireworks.
- Del Toro’s Defense Strategy – Can he stay cool under pressure?
- Carapaz’s Final Gamble – Will he attack from distance?
The 2025 Giro d’Italia has seen a changing of the guard. Young stars are rising, and veterans are digging deep to hold their ground. As the peloton climbs into the clouds one last time, the question remains—can Isaac Del Toro write his name in Giro history?
If you love Grand Tour drama, Stage 20 of the Giro d’Italia is unmissable. Watch the world’s best climbers battle it out on Monte Grappa and see if a new champion is crowned in Rome.