Eulalio loses pink jersey but vows to keep fighting in Giro d'Italia

Jonas Vingegaard asserted his dominance on the 14th stage of the 109th Giro d'Italia, but the true revelation of the race's first two weeks was Portugal's Afonso Eulalio. Riding for Bahrain Victorious, Eulalio defended the leader's pink jersey with exceptional tenacity.

“

I don't know what to say about the final climb, but the whole day was very difficult. At the start, we crossed a very long climb, then another long one at the end, and the intermediate climbs were also very demanding.

Despite falling behind the main group on the demanding final climb, Eulalio, a protégé of Slovenian sports director Gorazd Štangelj, maintained second place in the general classification. He described the entire day as incredibly difficult, with long climbs both at the start and end of the stage. "I suffered all day," Eulalio stated. "I held on for a while, but on the last climb, I lost contact with the main group quite early. Then I just had to fight and fight all the way to the finish."

“

I suffered all day. I held on for a while, but on the last climb, I lost contact with the main group quite early. Then I just had to fight and fight all the way to the finish.

Eulalio, who surprised many with his strong performance this year, acknowledged he anticipated losing the pink jersey to the formidable Vingegaard. "This moment, when I would lose the pink jersey, I was already expecting it. Jonas is very strong. For me, it was just about fighting and giving my all," he admitted. He also noted his unique distinction as the first jersey wearer in the three major races whose name contains all five vowels.

“

This moment, when I would lose the pink jersey, I was already expecting it. Jonas is very strong. For me, it was just about fighting and giving my all.

Looking ahead, Eulalio remained cautious about his chances for the white jersey, acknowledging the strength of other competitors. "Other guys are also very, very strong. We'll see if the white jersey gives me as much strength as the pink one did," he said. His main rival for this classification is Giulio Pellizzari, who has overcome recent stomach issues. Meanwhile, Felix Gall, now in third place, also attempted to follow Vingegaard but found the Dane too powerful, opting to ride at his own pace due to illness.

“

We'll see if the white jersey gives me as much strength as the pink one did.