Hindley Climbs Into Podium Contention, Giro 'Not Over' Despite Vingegaard Win

The 2026 Giro d'Italia is proving to be a thrilling spectacle, with Australian cyclist Jai Hindley making a significant move to contend for a podium place. Hindley's impressive ride on stage 9, finishing just behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard, has elevated him to a strong position as team leader for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. This performance is particularly crucial as it places him ahead of his teammate Giulio Pellizzari, solidifying his role in the team's ambitions.

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We didn't want to ride for the stage win. It's always nice to win, especially for my teammates, who worked hard all day. I'm not in the Maglia Rosa, but I'm exactly where I wanted to be at this point in the Giro.

While Jonas Vingegaard continues to impress with his climbing prowess, securing his second stage win, the overall race lead remains with Portugal's Afonso Eulálio. Vingegaard's victory on the challenging route from Cervia to Corno alle Scale has narrowed the gap to Eulálio, setting the stage for an intense battle in the coming stages. Other riders like Felix Gall have also shown strong form in the mountains, indicating a competitive field.

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It's not over till Rome, mate. Still a long way to go, a lot can happen. I would say the Giro is probably the most unpredictable of the three grand tours — it's not over till it's over.

Hindley himself remains cautiously optimistic, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the Giro d'Italia. He rightly points out that "it's not over till Rome, mate." The race is renowned for its dramatic shifts, especially in the final week through the Alps. Hindley's perspective, shared with reporters, highlights that a tough time trial and demanding mountain stages still lie ahead, ensuring that the competition remains open and exciting for fans. The Australian's determination and belief in the race's inherent unpredictability are key takeaways as the Giro heads towards its conclusion.

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I think it's all still to play for. For sure Jonas was very impressive and also Felix put in a great ride, but we have a hard TT coming after the rest day and some pretty hard days in the last week as well.