Stage 16 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, held on Tuesday, May 27, delivered a dramatic and pivotal day in the mountains, marked by a significant general classification shake-up, challenging weather conditions, and a standout performance by the XDS Astana team. 

Stage 16 Results – Piazzola sul Brenta → San Valentino (203 km)

1. Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana Team) – 5h 35' 05"

2. Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana Team) – same time

3. Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe) – +1'36"

4. Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost) – +2'12"

5. Simon Yates (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +3'48"

6. Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious) – +3'48"

7. Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) – +3'48"

8. Derek Gee (Israel–Premier Tech) – +3'48"

9. Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – +3'48"

10. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) – +3'48" 

Scaroni and Fortunato executed a well-timed breakaway, securing a 1-2 finish for XDS Astana Team. Scaroni's victory marked his first Grand Tour stage win, while Fortunato's second place solidified his lead in the King of the Mountains classification. 

General Classification After Stage 16

1. Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) – 61h 31' 56"

2. Simon Yates (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – +0'26"

3. Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost) – +0'31"

4. Derek Gee (Israel–Premier Tech) – +1'31"

5. Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious) – +2'40"

6. Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) – +3'23"

7. Michael Storer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – +3'31"

8. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) – +4'07"

9. Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe) – +4'36"

10. Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates–XRG) – +5'08" 

Del Toro managed to retain the Maglia Rosa, but his lead narrowed significantly due to Carapaz's aggressive riding and Yates's consistent performance. 

Stage Analysis

Weather and Terrain: The stage featured four major climbs and nearly 4,900 meters of elevation gain. Heavy rainfall made the descents treacherous, leading to multiple crashes. 

Key Incidents:

• Primož Roglič: The 2023 Giro champion and pre-race favorite crashed early in the stage and was forced to abandon the race, marking his fourth crash in a week. 

• Richard Carapaz: Despite being involved in the same crash as Roglič, Carapaz recovered and launched a successful attack on the final climb, gaining significant time on his GC rivals.

• Juan Ayuso: The UAE Team Emirates rider suffered on the Santa Barbara climb, losing over 14 minutes and effectively ending his GC ambitions.

Stage 16 has reshaped the general classification, setting the stage for an intense final week. With Del Toro's lead reduced and Carapaz and Yates in close pursuit, the battle for the Maglia Rosa is far from over.

As the 2025 Giro d’Italia enters its decisive final week, the battle for the maglia rosa intensifies. Here's a detailed preview of the upcoming stages and an analysis of the top general classification (GC) contenders.

Upcoming Stage Previews

Stage 17 – Wednesday, May 28: San Michele all’Adige → Bormio (155 km)

A short but brutal mountain stage featuring the legendary Mortirolo climb (12.6 km at 7.7% gradient). The descent into Bormio could be treacherous, especially after the fatigue from Stage 16. Expect attacks from climbers aiming to shake up the GC.

Stage 18 – Thursday, May 29: Morbegno → Cesano Maderno (144 km)

A flat stage offering a respite for GC contenders and a prime opportunity for sprinters. Teams with strong sprinters will look to control the race and set up a bunch sprint finish. 

Stage 19 – Friday, May 30: Biella → Champoluc (166 km)

A challenging mountain stage with five categorized climbs, including three major ascents. The final climb to Champoluc is steep and could be a launchpad for GC attacks.

Stage 20 – Saturday, May 31: Verrès → Sestrière (184 km)

The queen stage of the Giro, featuring a double ascent of Monte Grappa. This penultimate stage is expected to be decisive for the GC, with significant time gaps possible. 

Stage 21 – Sunday, June 1: Rome (Finale)

A ceremonial stage culminating in a flat circuit in Rome, likely ending in a bunch sprint. Barring any mishaps, the GC standings are expected to remain unchanged.

GC Contenders Analysis

1. Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates–XRG)

• Current Position: Leader

• Time Gap: Leads Simon Yates by 26 seconds

• Strengths: Consistent climbing, strong team support

• Challenges: Maintaining form under pressure from rivals 

Del Toro has shown remarkable resilience, holding the maglia rosa through challenging stages. His ability to respond to attacks and recover from setbacks will be crucial in the upcoming mountain stages.

2. Simon Yates (Team Visma | Lease a Bike)

• Current Position: 2nd

• Time Gap: +26 seconds

• Strengths: Explosive climber, experienced in Grand Tours

• Challenges: Closing the gap to Del Toro in limited opportunities

Yates has been steadily climbing the GC standings and poses a significant threat to Del Toro. His aggressive riding style could pay dividends in the high mountains.

3. Richard Carapaz (EF Education–EasyPost)

• Current Position: 3rd

• Time Gap: +31 seconds

• Strengths: Grand Tour winner, adept at long climbs

• Challenges: Recovering from earlier crashes, managing energy reserves

Carapaz has shown a resurgence in form, attacking decisively in Stage 16 to gain time on his rivals. His experience could be pivotal in the final mountain stages.

4. Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers)

• Current Position: 6th

• Time Gap: +3'23"

• Strengths: Strong climber, previous Giro winner

• Challenges: Making up significant time in limited stages.

Bernal has been riding aggressively, aiming to capitalize on any opportunities to move up the GC. His performance in the upcoming mountain stages will be critical. 

5. Derek Gee (Israel–Premier Tech)

• Current Position: 4th

• Time Gap: +1'31"

• Strengths: Consistent performances, strong time trialist

• Challenges: Maintaining position against seasoned climbers 

Gee has been one of the revelations of this Giro, showing remarkable consistency. His ability to stay with the top climbers will determine his final GC position.

With several challenging stages ahead, the battle for the maglia rosa is far from over. Each contender will need to leverage their strengths and team support to navigate the treacherous terrain and emerge victorious in Rome.