Emotional Simon Yates wins Giro d'Italia after final sprint stage in Rome

In a dramatic culmination to the 108th Giro d’Italia, Britain's Simon Yates claimed the overall victory on Sunday, becoming the third British cyclist to win the prestigious race, following the footsteps of legends Chris Froome and Tao Geoghegan Hart

Yates, riding for the Visma-Lease a Bike team, showcased his exceptional prowess and determination, finishing nearly four minutes ahead of runner-up Isaac Del Toro from Mexico.

Yates secured the iconic pink jersey during the penultimate stage on Saturday, executing a remarkable attack on the challenging 205km gravel-road climb from Verres to Sestriere. His strategy paid off, as he entered the final stage with a commanding lead, ultimately finishing safely within the peloton in Rome. This victory marks Yates's second Grand Tour title, having previously won the Spanish Vuelta in 2018.

It was double joy for the Dutch team as a text-book lead out helped propel Kooij to victory on the race’s final day.

On a twisty finale sprinting rivals Sam Bennett and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) found themselves boxed in and unable to overhaul the Dutchman as he took his second win of the race.

Speaking to the press after the stage Kooij said: “We couldn’t wish for a better final weekend. Yesterday was really amazing for the team and today I had to give everything that was left in the legs, I just had to push it to the line. We had a plan but with sprinting it’s never easy to do it perfectly. Today we really committed to make it a sprint and with Wout van Aert we just went all in. I’m happy to make it to the line.”

In a historic achievement, Yates becomes the first cyclist since Alberto Contador in 2015 to win the Giro without winning any individual stages, a testament to his consistency and tactical acumen throughout the race. The emotional weight of the victory was palpable as Yates and fellow riders received blessings from Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican prior to the final stage, adding a spiritual dimension to an already monumental day.

The final stage of the Giro was marked by a thrilling sprint finish, which saw Yates’s teammate, Olav Kooij, take the stage win. Kooij’s victory added to the celebration of the day, as the team basked in the glory of Yates’s overall triumph.

Throughout the race, Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek dominated the sprinting competition, securing the famous Maglia Ciclamino and wearing it with pride for the duration of the event. Pedersen's remarkable performance included three stage wins, establishing him as a formidable presence in the peloton.

In the mountains classification, Lorenzo Fortunato displayed exceptional skill and determination, establishing an early lead that his rivals could not overcome. Fortunato maintained control throughout the race, with his teammate Christian Scaroni being the only competitor close enough to challenge his dominance.

The youth classification saw a thrilling battle primarily between Juan Ayuso and Isaac Del Toro, with Del Toro taking control on stage 9, coinciding with his ascent in the overall standings. He proudly donned the white jersey on the final day in Rome, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

As the cycling world reflects on this year's Giro d’Italia, Simon Yates's emotional victory stands as a symbol of resilience and determination. His journey from near victory in 2018 to this year’s triumph serves as an inspiration to cyclists and fans alike.

VIDEO: 2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 21 Finish

2025 Giro d'Italia Stage 21 Top 10

1. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma-Lease a Bike in 3:12:19
2. Kaden Groves (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck
3. Matteo Moschetti (Ita) Q36.5 Pr Cycling Team
4. Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek
5. Luke Lamperti (USA) Soudal Quick-Step
6. Max Kanter (Ger) XDS Astana
7. Filippo Baroncini (Ita) UAE Team Emirates-XRG
8. Orluis Aular (Col) Movistar
9. Enrico Zanoncello (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF- Faizanè
10. Giovanni Lonardi (Ita) Team Polti VisitMalta, all in s.t

2025 Giro d'Italia Final General Classification

1. Simon Yates (GBr) Visma-Lease a Bike, in 82:31:01
2. Isaac del Toro (Mex) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, +3:56
3. Richard Carapaz (Ecu) EF Education-EasyPost, +4:43
4. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech, +6:23
5. Damiano Caruso (Ita) Bahrain Victorious +7:32
6. Giulio Pellizzari (Ita) Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, +9:28
7. Egan Bernal (Col) Ineos Grenadiers, +12:42
8. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar, +13:05
9. Brandon McNulty (Usa) UAE Team Emirates-XRG, +13:36
10. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor Pro Cycling, +14:27