Piganzoli cruises through Giro time trial, outpacing Gall and Rondel

Davide Piganzoli remains close to the top of the standings even after the tenth stage of the Giro d’Italia. The young Italian, racing for Visma | Lease a Bike, showed in the time trial that his legs are exceptionally strong—even though he isn’t focused on personal results. This performance would certainly have earned a nod of approval from Jonas Vingegaard.

After finishing the time trial, Piganzoli shrugged. He placed 30th, 4 minutes and 13 seconds behind stage winner Filippo Ganna, indicating he hadn’t given his all. Still, he was faster than GC riders Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Mathys Rondel (Tudor). Moreover, Piganzoli moved up in the general classification from 13th to 12th.

"I just picked a pace and maintained it until the finish," the 23-year-old Italian told Eurosport calmly. He also emphasized, "This time trial wasn’t very important for me. Our goal is to win the Giro d’Italia with Jonas. It was important only for him."

His legs were working perfectly, even if he was on “autopilot.” The bigger objective is to use that same strength to impact the peloton in the second and third weeks of the Giro. Piganzoli has already done so multiple times in the first week, putting in grueling work for Vingegaard on stages two, seven, and nine.

"There are still key mountain stages ahead, so it was good to feel strong. But did I need this time trial for the upcoming stages? No," he said matter-of-factly. "I’m in good form, and I hope to carry this through to the end of the Giro."

Piganzoli’s performance also reflects his strong bond with fellow Italian rider Giulio Pellizzari (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe). Confronted with Vingegaard’s comments after stage nine—where the Dane called Piganzoli “a very special rider” and “the future of cycling”—the Italian rider expressed gratitude.

"It’s very nice that Jonas says that about me," Piganzoli said. At just 23 years old, Piganzoli is not only part of the future for his team but also for Italian cycling. In the Giro, it’s easy to forget that two Italian friends from the same generation—Pellizzari and Piganzoli—are both racing at a high level. "I know Giulio very well; he’s a friend of mine, and I’m happy for him. I know he’ll feel the same for me."

Bram van der Ploeg ( X: @BvdPloegg | email : [email protected])