Massive Attack after his Crack: Isaac del Toro Wins Giro Stage 17

In a thrilling display of endurance and strategy, Mexico's Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates-XRG retained the coveted pink jersey after clinching victory in Stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia. Simon Yates loses time.

The 21-year-old cyclist demonstrated remarkable tenacity, crossing the finish line at 3 hours, 58 minutes, and 48 seconds, just four seconds ahead of Frenchman Romain Bardet, while Ecuador's Richard Carapaz secured third place and Britain's Simon Yates slipped to fourth.

Del Toro's victory marks his first stage win of this year's Giro, a testament to his grit and determination. The young rider broke away from Bardet and Carapaz with just two kilometers remaining in the 155-kilometer stage from San Michele all'Adige to Bormio, showcasing his strength during the critical descent.

"I showed today that I will never give up. I want to stay one step in front and have nothing to lose," Del Toro said post-race. "It's my third or fourth podium, which is incredible. Today was not easier than yesterday. The team gives me the confidence to go full gas."

The stage unfolded with high tension as Carapaz, the 2019 Giro winner, attempted to break Del Toro's lead on the Mortirolo, the main climb of the day. With an aggressive attack near the summit, Carapaz managed to open a lead of approximately 30 seconds. However, Del Toro, undeterred, fought back alongside the main contenders, catching up to Carapaz as they approached the final climb of Le Motte.

In a decisive moment, Del Toro launched his own attack near the summit, forcing Carapaz to respond. The two riders quickly caught Bardet, who had been the last survivor of the day's breakaway and was seeking his first Grand Tour stage victory in his final season as a professional cyclist.

As they descended towards the finish line, Del Toro's strategic prowess shone through. With less than two kilometers remaining, he surged ahead of Carapaz and maintained his lead in a nail-biting sprint to the finish.

With this victory, Del Toro solidifies his position at the top of the general classification, leading Carapaz by 41 seconds, while Yates trails by an additional 10 seconds. The dramatic shift in standings underscores the fierce competition as the Giro d'Italia heads into its final stages.

Looking ahead, Thursday's Stage 18 presents a new challenge with a 144-kilometer route featuring three climbs in the first half, followed by flat terrain as the riders transition from Morbegno to Cesano Maderno. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Del Toro to see if he can maintain his lead and secure his place in cycling history.

VIDEO: 2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 17 Highlights

VIDEO: Stage 17 Reactions

2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 17 Top 10

1. Isaac del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, in 3:58:48
2. Romain Bardet (Fra) Picnic-PostNL, +4s
3. Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost, at same time
4. Simon Yates (Gbr) Visma-Lease a Bike, +15s
5. Giulio Pellizzari (Ita) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, +16s
6. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech,
7. Damiano Caruso (Ita) Bahrain Victorious,
8. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar,
9.Max Poole (Gbr) Picnic-PostNL, at same time
10. Afonso Eulalio (Por) Bahrain Victorious, +56s

2025 Giro d'Italia GC after Stage 17

1. Isaac Del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, in 65:30:34
2. Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost, +41s
3. Simon Yates (GBr) Visma-Lease a Bike, +51s
4. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech, +1:57
5. Damiano Caruso (Ita) Bahrain Victorious +3:06
6. Egan Bernal (Col) Ineos Grenadiers, +4:43
7. Giulio Pellizzari (Ita) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, +5:02
8. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar, +6:09
9. Adam Yates (Gbr) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, +7:45
10. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor Pro Cycling, +7:46