A choice that came from the entire group. To clarify the early neutralization in the fifteenth stage of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, the Voghera-Milan stage of 157 km, it was the pink jersey Jonas Vingegaard who spoke: "Everyone thought the circuit was too dangerous, when we entered the circuit we approached the Jury President's car to talk about it. We should be happy as riders because they came to meet us," said the Danish rider from Visma | Lease a Bike.

Due to the irregular road surface and some hazards, many riders in the pink jersey group requested a neutralization on the last lap of the Milan circuit, that is at -16.3 km, and not at the canonical -5. A choice that sparked some controversy, but the Danish rider's explanation was quite clear: "A choice by my team? If I had been the only one to have this feeling, it would have been different, but everyone had the same vision of things, I felt I had a certain responsibility on my shoulders and I went to talk to the President, they listened to us and I think we should thank them".

THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

Jonas Vingegaard's second day in the pink jersey, but with the neutralization of times on the last lap of the circuit, the gaps did not change: Eulalio second at 2'26", Gall third at 2'50".

Jonas, can you give us more details about your emotions, your feelings in the pink jersey?
"Obviously it was a dream come true and, yes, I didn't sleep very well last night, not because of the wind, but because it was very hot in the hotel. Anyway, we had a nice evening. It went on late, but we had a good dinner and today arriving in Milan in pink was special. It's a unique feeling wearing the pink jersey: as I said yesterday, it's one of the most precious jerseys in cycling, so being able to wear it in such a big city is something special for me."

It was the first day you took responsibility for the jersey, speaking with the race organizers to neutralize the circuit. What happened?
"I think I would have done it anyway, even without the pink jersey. When you wear it, you have more power, in a sense. During the race, when we arrived at the circuit, we realized that it probably wasn't the safest route. We were talking about it in the group and I don't think you could actually see it on television, normally you can't see what it's like, but we went to the Jury and the organization and we talked to them. They were really kind to us, they really listened to what we had to say and, yes, I think we riders should thank them today for meeting us".

Did you speak with other captains before the Jury and who were they?
"Of course, we spoke with some riders, but that's something I'll keep to myself. I take responsibility for going to the Jury President's car, but we also talk within the group and we look after each other. Today we showed something, for once we managed to stay united, and yes, the organization also listened to us".

The route was known not just from this morning, but also from a couple of months ago. So, why didn't you examine the circuit carefully beforehand, when such a decision could have been made much earlier?
"Well, I don't think it's our responsibility as riders, I think it's more the responsibility of the UCI or the organization. We also have our CPA group (the world riders' union, ed.). I think anyway that safety in cycling, yes, we should say it, is in everyone's interest, not just riders but also the UCI. I don't think we can simply point fingers at each other. We all have this responsibility, including us riders".

Jonas, how are you feeling heading into the third week?
"To be honest, I felt really good today. It was very hot today too, but we managed to have a nice day".

Is this your first time in Milan? And did you feel special affection from the public?
"Yes, I think it's my first time in Milan. And as I said before, it's very special to wear this jersey in Milan, especially in Italy, it's really special, but also for me, as a foreigner, to have it in Italy and in such a big city as Milan. A wonderful experience".