With the first three stages in Albania behind us, it already feels like the Giro d’Italia may have found its leader: Primoz Roglic. The Slovenian started the race in explosive fashion—maybe even too explosive—launching into an unrealistic sprint during the opening stage in an overly aggressive attempt to stay at the very front.
In stage two, he lost by a hair to Tarling, in a defeat that was more technical than physical. Roglic looked like the most powerful rider out there, but his struggles in the corners made the difference. Tarling, on the other hand, handled his bike like a pro driver—he used the full width of the road, traced perfect lines, and, despite his size, pushed his bike to the very edge of grip. In some curves, you could even see the rear tire beginning to slide slightly, a testament to just how close to the limit he was riding. Tarling showed he can do much more than push massive gears—he can really ride a bike.
Roglic, for his part, still managed to take the Maglia Rosa, one of his main goals, and he may well hold onto it all the way to Rome. His main threats now come from UAE’s young duo—Ayuso and Del Toro—though the team hasn’t exactly been known for its tactical brilliance when Pogacar isn’t around.
On the Italian front, it’s a bit surprising to see Ciccone spending so much energy supporting Pedersen. Sure, Lidl-Trek is looking like the smartest team in the bunch tactically, but it would be great to see Ciccone saving his legs for the stages that really matter—because this Giro could be a big opportunity for him.
Let’s hope others rise to the occasion too, for the sake of the spectacle. Right now, Roglic seems to have everything under control, but his most dangerous opponent is still himself. He’s shown in the past that he can win big races—but also lose them by taking unnecessary risks. And in that sense, descending remains his Achilles’ heel.
Who knows—maybe in the coming weeks, someone will dare to shake things up with a wild move. Just like Nibali once did. Or even earlier, Chiappucci.
