Hindley conquers 'epic' day to climb onto Giro podium

Australian cyclist Jai Hindley has climbed to third place in the Giro d'Italia, positioning himself on the podium with only one competitive stage remaining. Hindley achieved this feat after finishing sixth on the race's demanding queen stage, a 151-kilometer route through the Dolomites featuring nearly 5,000 meters of climbing.

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It was a tough day out. Really epic climbs and really proud of the way the boys rode.

Hindley expressed deep gratitude for the support of his Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe teammate, Giulio Pellizzari. "It was a tough day out... Really epic climbs and really proud of the way the boys rode," Hindley stated, highlighting the challenging nature of the stage and commending his team's performance. He specifically lauded Pellizzari's efforts, noting, "Really big chapeau to him and how he rode today, it was some ride of him."

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Really big chapeau to him and how he rode today, it was some ride of him.

Pellizzari, who had initially shared co-leader status with Hindley, sacrificed his own chances after suffering illness and losing time earlier in the race. He rode in the breakaway group and later provided crucial support by setting a fierce pace for Hindley and the race leader, Jonas Vingegaard, on the front of the favorites' group. "It's really not taken for granted what he did today," Hindley told Cycling Pro Net. "Giulio lost his GC chances, so it is nice that after such a race he can still switch gears and sacrifice himself for me."

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It's really not taken for granted what he did today. Giulio lost his GC chances, so it is nice that after such a race he can still switch gears and sacrifice himself for me.

Other riders faced difficulties, with Thymen Arensman losing over a minute on the final climb, surrendering his podium spot. Ben O'Connor also struggled in the Dolomites. Hindley remains focused on the final stage, aiming to maintain his third-place standing before the race concludes in Rome.

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I know it's not been the easiest race for him also mentally but [I'm] really grateful for what he's done, and also the rest of the boys. We haven't had the smoothest Giro, with some illness and whatnot. The guys have been incredible.