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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Australian Luke Plapp Claims First Grand Tour Stage Win at Giro d'Italia

Australian Luke Plapp Claims First Grand Tour Stage Win at Giro d'Italia

In a stunning display of endurance and strategy, 24-year-old Australian cyclist Luke Plapp celebrated his first Grand Tour stage victory today, clinching the eighth stage of the Giro d'Italia

Australian Luke Plapp Claims First Grand Tour Stage Win at Giro d'Italia

Competing for Team Jayco Alula, Plapp's audacious attack from the breakaway group with approximately 40 kilometers to go secured him a remarkable solo win, finishing 38 seconds ahead of the Netherlands' Wilco Kelderman.

The 197-kilometer stage, which traversed the medium-range mountains from Giulianova to Castelraimondo, showcased Plapp's impressive climbing skills and tactical acumen. After breaking away from the leading group, he maintained a commanding lead, ultimately crossing the finish line to the cheers of fans and supporters.

"I still can't believe it, to be honest," Plapp stated in a post-race interview. "I feel like it's been a long time coming – I'm always targeting the Aussie summer, and just never been able to make a result happen in Europe. Last year, I got so close to the Giro so many times, so for today to happen is so, so special."

Plapp's victory not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also adds excitement to the ongoing Giro d'Italia, which has seen intense competition since its start. Diego Ulissi, who finished third in today's stage, seized the overall lead in the general classification, becoming the first Italian to wear the iconic pink jersey since 2021. Ulissi now holds a narrow lead over 2023 Giro champion Primoz Roglic, who slipped to third place and trails by 17 seconds.

As the race heads into Tuscany, Ulissi will don the pink jersey during the 181-kilometer stage from Gubbio to Siena on Sunday, a region close to his heart. Meanwhile, the British contingent remains strong, with Max Poole standing as the best-placed rider in seventh overall and Simon Yates in tenth.

With the Giro d'Italia set to conclude in Rome on June 1, the stakes are higher than ever, and Plapp's victory has added a dramatic twist to the unfolding narrative of this prestigious race.

VIDEO: 2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 8 Highlights

2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 8 Results

1. Luke Plapp (Aus/Jayco Alula) 4hr 44min 20secs
2. Wilco Kelderman (Ned/Visma-Lease a Bike) +38secs
3. Diego Ulissi (Ita/XDS-Astana) +38secs
4. Igor Arrieta (Spa/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1min 22secs
5. Nicolas Prodhomme (Fra/Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) +1min 35secs
6. Andrea Vendrame (Ita/Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) +1min 48secs
7. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita/XDS-Astana) +1min 48secs
8. Georg Steinhauser (Ger/EF Education-EasyPost) +2min 59secs
9. Romain Bardet (Fra/Picnic PostNL) +3min 02secs
10. Alessio Martinelli (Ita/VF Group) +4min 37secs

2025 Giro d'Italia GC after Stage 8

1. Diego Ulissi (Ita/XDS-Astana) 29hr 21min 23secs
2. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita/XDS-Astana) +12secs
3. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe) +17secs
4. Juan Ayuso (Spa/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +20secs
5. Isaac del Toro (Mex/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +26secs
6. Antonio Tiberi (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +44secs
7. Max Poole (GB/Team Picnic PostNL) +47secs
8. Michael Storer (Aus/Tudor Pro Cycling) +50secs
9. Brandon McNulty (USA/UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +51secs
10. Simon Yates (GB/Visma-Lease a Bike) +56secs
 
Tag: giro
 
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