A thrilling and relentless stage, the Chieti/Fermo, eighth chapter of the 2026 Giro d'Italia. Jhonatan Narváez claimed victory at the end of the 156 kilometers characterized by the Muri Fermani, securing the third triumph in this Giro for UAE Team Emirates. Behind the 29-year-old Ecuadorian, two Norwegians from Uno X Mobility crossed the line: Andreas Leknessund, second at 32" back, and Martin Tjøtta, third at 42", followed by Silva, Milesi and Scaroni who with today's placement gains seven positions in the general classification, now seeing him fourth at 4'18" from Afonso Eulálio, still wearing the pink jersey.

THE STAGE - Starting from Chieti, the stage immediately became lively: among attacks and counterattacks, Filippo Ganna (Netcompany INEOS) and Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana Team) gained an advantage. The Italian duo reached a maximum lead of approximately forty seconds and at the 53rd kilometer was caught by the peloton, which no longer included Fabio Christen (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro), forced to retire after a crash.

The battle continued so much that approximately eighty kilometers from the finish, the group split into two sections with Afonso Eulálio, the current pink jersey wearer, noted in the first part of the group. Shortly after, the group regrouped but three riders pushed the pace at the front: Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility). Behind these attackers, a large group of twenty riders organized itself, which grew larger towards the GPM of Montefiore dell'Aso.

At the top of the first climb, Bjerg, Narváez and Leknessund crossed in that order, while taking advantage of the descent, Gianmarco Garofoli (Soudal Quick-Step) launched a solo pursuit that, however, did not succeed. The rider from Marche was caught again by a leading group of approximately thirty cyclists. The second categorized climb, at the top of the Monterubbiano ascent, went to Narváez, who crested ahead of his teammate Bjerg.

In a succession of attacks and changing situations, after the Red Bull KM, it was Javier Romo (Movistar Team) who courageously launched a solo attack in pursuit of the leaders; the Spanish rider's effort grew heavier and eventually faded near the Capodarco Wall. Shortly after, Bjerg also succumbed to fatigue, leaving only Narváez and Leknessund at the front. The Ecuadorian champion, already a winner in Cosenza, built his second personal success in this Giro by exploiting the iconic climb: he accelerated, dropping the Norwegian and passing first at the GPM, then maintained his advantage all the way to the finish. Meanwhile, behind him, both the battle for today's podium and the fight for general classification positions heated up, with the overall favorites able to significantly reduce a gap that had reached even three minutes.

After today's efforts and high speeds, tomorrow the group will face another demanding stage starting from Cervia and finishing at the 1469 meters elevation of Corno alle Scale. 184 kilometers that tuttobiciweb will cover once again live and with the usual in-depth analysis.

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STAGE RESULTS

1 Narváez Jhonatan UAE Team Emirates - XRG 03:27:26

2 Leknessund Andreas Uno-X Mobility 00:32

3 Tjøtta Martin Uno-X Mobility 00:42

4 Silva Guillermo Thomas XDS Astana Team 00:44

5 Milesi Lorenzo Movistar Team ,,

6 Scaroni Christian XDS Astana Team 00:48

7 Strong Corbin NSN Cycling Team 00:55

8 López Juan Pedro Movistar Team ,,

9 Poels Wout Unibet Rose Rockets 00:58

10 Beloki Markel EF Education - EasyPost 01:00

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1 Eulálio Afonso Bahrain - Victorious 34:28:42

2 Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike 03:15

3 Gall Felix Decathlon CMA CGM Team 03:34

4 Scaroni Christian XDS Astana Team 04:18

5 Hindley Jai Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 04:23

6 Pellizzari Giulio Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 04:28

7 O'Connor Ben Team Jayco AlUla 04:32

8 Rondel Mathys Tudor Pro Cycling Team 04:56

9 Arensman Thymen Netcompany INEOS 05:07

10 Storer Michael Tudor Pro Cycling Team 05:11

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