What a day for Damiano Caruso! At 38 years old, the Ragusa native from Bahrain Victorious goes on the attack, finishes third, and started the day 13th in the general classification, 13'47" behind Vingegaard, and today he's ninth, 8'34" back, behind Piganzoli, who is 15 years younger than him.

"In the end it was a great day. Tough, extremely tough, the stage was long with plenty of climbing, and Valgren won the finale because he had more left in the tank and he picked the right moment – explains Caruso, 2nd at the 2021 Giro d'Italia -. I'm completely satisfied and very proud of myself. I gained time in the general classification, yes, but today's goal was to try to win the stage, I did that and if I still have some energy left I'll do it again during the week".

Caruso tried several times in the final 5 km, particularly 1700 meters from the finish: "No, no regrets in the finale, my energy was running on fumes and I gave everything I had. When all the breakaway riders are exhausted, just a little bit more makes the difference". So Bahrain Victorious, directed here by Franco Pellizotti, finds itself in the general classification with Portuguese rider Eulalio in 5th place, 5'40" back and wearing the white jersey for best young rider, and Caruso in 9th, 8'34" back.