The sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia, held on a wet and slippery route from Potenza to Naples covering 227 kilometers, ended in dramatic fashion with a massive crash that forced the race organizers to neutralize the stage. Despite Kaden Groves crossing the finish line first in a sprint, the stage did not count for points, time gaps, or bonuses due to the chaos that unfolded about 70 kilometers from the finish.
The day was the longest of this year’s race, but it was marred by dangerous road conditions as rain made the cobblestone sections and narrow roads treacherous. The crash involved several riders in the peloton, including former Giro winners Jai Hindley and Richard Carapaz. Hindley, who was clearly in pain, was forced to abandon the race after sitting on the roadside and eventually being taken away by ambulance. Josef Cerny also had to withdraw following the incident, while Rainer Kepplinger was hospitalized with an injured finger and multiple cuts and bruises. Kepplinger’s teammate Max van der Meulen was also set to undergo medical tests as a precaution.
Despite the disruption, Kaden Groves managed to secure the stage win. He said the victory was a big relief after a challenging start to the season marked by injury and missed racing opportunities. “The team always believed in me,” Groves explained. “I arrived here without a win, so getting the first one for the year is a big relief.”
Groves highlighted the tricky conditions, noting how the wet roads made the cobbled final kilometers especially hazardous. “Knowing the cobbles starting around the 2km mark was super important to be in front,” he said. Groves also praised his teammates for their early efforts in chasing down the breakaway, which was critical in setting up the sprint. He added that the rain actually helped him feel better during the finale, saying he tends to perform well in colder and wetter conditions.
In the final stretch, the race dynamics shifted significantly after the crash. Two riders, Enzo Paleni and Taco van der Hoorn, had established a lead of 47 seconds over the peloton when the pile-up occurred. Following the crash, the race director neutralized the peloton, slowing down the pace and halting the competition for any time bonuses or points, essentially turning the stage into a contest for the stage win alone.
Richard Carapaz, though involved in the crash, managed to rejoin the peloton despite his torn jersey. Other riders, such as Mads Pedersen, who has already won three stages this Giro, chose not to contest the sprint in the chaotic finale. Pedersen held onto the overall race lead despite easing up at the finish, maintaining a 17-second advantage over his nearest challenger, Primoz Roglic.
Teams were cautious throughout the stage due to the rain and slippery roads, prioritizing safety over aggressive tactics until the crash shifted the race entirely. The neutralization decision was aimed at protecting the riders and ensuring no unfair time losses occurred because of the crash.
As the peloton crossed the finish line, the atmosphere was one of relief and concern. The crash had taken a toll on several riders and forced multiple withdrawals, underscoring the dangers inherent in racing under adverse weather conditions. While Groves celebrated a hard-earned stage victory, the incident cast a shadow over the day’s racing and raised questions about the impact of weather on rider safety and race management.
The overall classification remains close, with Pedersen defending his lead but now with a heightened sense of caution as the race moves forward. The neutralized stage means that the general classification and points standings remain unchanged, preserving the status quo heading into the next stages.
This day will be remembered not only for Groves’ sprint success but also for the significant crash that shook the race, ended the hopes of key contenders, and forced organizers to take unprecedented safety measures. The Giro d’Italia continues to test the resilience and strategy of its riders as it progresses through Italy’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
