Giro d'Italia: An emotional victory in Trentino

This was unexpected: A Belgian triumphed on Wednesday in the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia – and in Trentino, no less.

27 May 2026

From: dpa/det

Michael Valgren celebrated an emotional victory on the hilly 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia. The 34-year-old Dane broke away from a six-man breakaway group shortly before the finish in Andalo (Nonsberg) and held onto his lead to secure his biggest win to date, four years after a serious crash that almost ended his career.

In 2022, Valgren crashed into a ravine during the final stage of the Route d'Occitanie, fracturing his pelvis. Joining Valgren on the podium were Norwegian Andreas Leknessund, who finished second for the third time in this year's Giro d'Italia, and Italian Damiano Caruso.

Michael Valgren was unbeatable. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

In the overall standings, Jonas Vingegaard remains in the lead, wearing the pink jersey with a comfortable advantage. The two-time Tour de France champion from Denmark is 4:03 minutes ahead of Austrian Felix Gall and 4:27 minutes ahead of Dutchman Thymen Arensman.

The 18th stage on Thursday covers a mostly flat 171 km from Fai della Paganella to Pieve di Soligo. Two challenging mountain stages remain before the finale in Rome on Sunday.

Keywords cycling racing bike Tour of Italy