Giro d'Italia, the Frenchman Prodhomme wins in Champoluc

The others are further back. Two and a half minutes for the Canadian Derek Gee and 3' 36” for our Damiano Caruso who, in fifth position, somehow defends our remaining tricolour ambitions.

Lots of sun, splendid views with the Rosa and the Cervino still sparkling with snow, but it's a shame that the rest of the show was missing. The only one to honor the stage, apart from the pink jersey, was the winner of the day, the Frenchman Nicholas Prodhomme, 28 years old, author of a sensational breakaway that took off after only 5 kilometers from the start in Biella. "I saw that the pace wasn't very high and so I took advantage of it. I didn't believe it until the end. I was afraid they would catch me. An unforgettable day for me".

And the Italians? Little or nothing. Antonio Tiberi, who also broke away, was then caught by the pink jersey group. While Giulio Pellizzari, always very active, fell a few meters from the finish line, in a sprint that he could have easily avoided. Having gotten up immediately, he should not have suffered any significant consequences.

In short, it will be decided at the end credits, in this twentieth stage that from Verres, passing through the Colle del Lyls and that of Finestre (2178 meters, Cima Coppi) then arrives at Sestiere (2033 m.) for a total of 205 kilometers. On paper, a thrilling stage.

It is difficult to make a prediction. These 50 kilometers in the clouds should favor Richard Carapaz, already winner of the 2019 Giro and usually at ease on these peaks.