Giro 2022: Van der Poel powers into pink

foto: Cor VosMathieu van der Poel powers into the first maglia rosa on the climb to Visegrád Citadel. The Dutchman wins the 1st stage ahead of Biniam Girmay and Pello Bilbao. Obviously, he is the first GC leader on the 2022 Giro. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 1st stage 2022 Giro

1. Mathieu van der Poel (nld)
2. Biniam Girmay (eri) s.t.
3. Pello Bilbao (spa) s.t.
4. Magnus Cort (den) s.t.
5. Wilco Kelderman (nld) s.t.
6. Richard Carapaz (ecu) s.t.
7. Bauke Mollema (nld) s.t.
8. Diego Ulissi (ita) s.t.
9. Andrea Vendrame (ita) + 0.04
10. Mattias Jensen (den) s.t.

GC after stage 1
1. Mathieu van der Poel (nld)
2. Biniam Girmay (eri) + 0.04
3. Pello Bilbao (spa) + 0.06
4. Magnus Cort (den) + 0.10
5. Wilco Kelderman (nld) s.t.
6. Richard Carapaz (ecu) s.t.
7. Bauke Mollema (nld) s.t.
8. Diego Ulissi (ita) s.t.
9. Andrea Vendrame (ita) + 0.14
10. Mattias Jensen (den) s.t.

Race report
Two Drone Hopper riders attack from the start. Bais and Tagliani carve out a lead of 11 minutes before the peloton takes the reins.

The duo is reeled in with 14 kilometres remaining.

Lawrence Naesen strikes inside the last 4 kilometres. He opens a 10 seconds gap. Lennard Kämna goes after him and gobbles up the Belgian, but he is caught in the last kilometre.

It comes down to a sprint of strongmen. While Caleb Ewan hits the deck just before the finish, Mathieu van der Poel outguns Biniam Girmay on the line. Pello Bilbao finishes in third position.

Becauese of a split in the peloton most GC contenders cross the line behind the first eight riders. Which is good news for Wilco Kelderman, Pello Bilbao and Richard Carapaz.

Another interesting read: route 1st stage 2022 Giro d’Italia.