Giro d’Italia: Primoz Roglic becomes first Slovenian to win the event, Mark Cavendish triumphs in final stage | Cycling News

Primoz Roglic first Slovenian to win the Giro d’Italia; 33-year-old finishes 14 seconds ahead of Geraint Thomas; Mark Cavendish, who will retire at the end of the season, takes victory in final stage as riders conclude three-week event in Rome’s cobbled streets

Primoz Roglic became the first Slovenian rider to win the Giro d’Italia after completing victory over Britain’s Geraint Thomas on the day Mark Cavendish won the three-week race’s final stage.

Roglic had all but claimed victory on Saturday after snatching the pink jersey from Thomas on the penultimate stage.

Sunday’s ride around Rome was largely processional – although the 33-year-old did have to avoid a late crash in the peloton.

Roglic, who adds the Giro d’Italia crown to his three Vuelta a Espana titles in 2019, 2020 and 2021, finished 14 seconds ahead of Thomas and one minute and 15 seconds in front of Portugal’s Joao Almeida in the overall standings.

That is the smallest finishing gap between the top riders in the Giro since Eddy Merckx won by 12 seconds ahead of Gianbattista Baronchelli in 1974.

« I definitely enjoyed the moment, » Roglic said. « I also enjoyed everything that happened [on Saturday].

« It’s always nice when you win but just this energy from yesterday and riding today in this spectacular city, surrounded by all these things, it’s super beautiful and I enjoyed it a lot. »

Mark Cavendish celebrates his stage success

Cavendish, who recently announced he will retire at the end of the season, took the stage victory after a 135-kilometre leg through the cobblestoned streets of Rome.

Astana rider Cavendish’s victory was his 17th at the Giro, with the 38-year-old having won at least one stage in each of the seven editions in which he has raced.

The Manxman will now focus on the Tour de France and his bid to take the stage win record there outright – he is currently level with Merckx on 34 victories.

« I’m super happy, » said Cavendish, the oldest winner of a stage at the Giro.

« It was a long, hard slog to get here to the end of this Giro. We’ve been close a couple of times before but my boys did an incredible job and my friends were incredible. It’s pretty emotional.

« To win here in Rome, it’s beautiful. That’s a bucket-list sprint, to be able to do it outside the Colosseum. I’m so happy. »