Alex MacQuoid
A penultimate stage masterpiece as Yates conquers the Colle delle Finestre and rewrites Giro history
A Tactical Masterclass on a Legendary Stage
Simon Yates, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, delivered a performance for the ages on Saturday’s penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia. Starting over a minute behind race leader Isaac Del Toro, the British rider turned the tables in dramatic fashion, seizing the maglia rosa with a ferocious ride up the fearsome Colle delle Finestre.
The 205 km stage from Verres to Sestriere featured a brutal 4,500m of elevation gain, culminating in one of the continent’s most punishing climbs — 18 km long, with the final 8 km on gravel. This was no ordinary test. This was a stage designed to crown champions and crush pretenders.
Chris Harper Takes the Stage, But Yates Steals the Show
Australian Chris Harper of Jayco-AlUla secured his first Grand Tour stage win after launching from a 31-man breakaway to solo across the line. Alessandro Verre trailed nearly two minutes behind, but the spotlight remained firmly on Yates, who claimed third and fundamentally reshaped the general classification.
With one flat stage left to Rome, Yates now holds a commanding lead of 3 minutes and 56 seconds over Del Toro, while Richard Carapaz lurks at 4:43. Sunday’s finale promises a coronation more than a contest.
Yates’ Redemption on the Colle delle Finestre
For Yates, this wasn’t just a win — it was personal redemption. In 2018, the Colle delle Finestre had shattered his Giro dreams when Chris Froome attacked. This time, Yates was the hunter, not the hunted.
“Once the route was released I always had it in the back of my mind… Maybe I could come here and close the chapter,” said an emotional Yates. “I really didn’t believe it until the very last moment.”
How the Battle Unfolded
- Carapaz initiated the first attack on the lower slopes.
- Del Toro followed, with Yates trailing — briefly.
- Yates countered with four attacks, finally dropping his rivals near the gravel section.
- With Wout van Aert supporting on the descent, Yates extended his gap to over 90 seconds by the summit.
The result? Tactical brilliance met physical endurance. Del Toro’s response was too little, too late.
“Del Toro lost the Giro. He doesn’t know how to race well. The smartest rider won,” Carapaz stated bluntly.
What It Means for Final Stage Markets
For bettors, Yates’ takeover significantly shifts odds for the final stage. While Sunday’s ride to Rome is expected to be a sprinters’ parade, don’t rule out value bets on team tactics or surprise breakaways.
Watch for:
- Prop bets on podium ceremonies and stage-winner markets
- Odds movements post-stage based on team strategies
- Enhanced odds offers from major sportsbooks following this dramatic shake-up
A Fitting End Awaits
Simon Yates’ sensational ride has redefined the 2025 Giro. With only the ceremonial sprint stage remaining, it’s not just a race victory — it’s a career-defining triumph. And for fans, punters, and pundits alike, this stage joins the pantheon of Grand Tour epics.
Don’t miss Sunday’s finale tomorrow. Expect sprint drama, celebration, and the crowning of a worthy champion.