S14 Ep39: Stage 6 | Paestum - Naples | Giro d’Italia 2026

The Cycling Podcast's coverage of Stage 6 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia from Paestum to Naples captures a dramatic and chaotic finale marked by heavy rain, a dangerous crash in the final 400 meters, and an unexpected stage win for Davide Ballerini of Astana XDS. The episode opens with a rich historical and cultural exploration of Naples, highlighting the Castel Nuovo, the conspiracy of the barons, and the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum. The stage itself was flat with a brief climb, but the final kilometers featured treacherous cobbled terrain and a tight U-bend that caused a seven-rider pile-up, including Dylan Groenewegen and Jonathan Milan, who were both caught behind the crash. Ballerini capitalized on the chaos to claim his first major tour victory, while Milan’s hopes for a sprint win were dashed. The hosts critique the controversial new finish in Naples, arguing it’s logistically flawed and out of sync with the Giro’s identity, especially after repeated issues in recent years. The episode also features a heartfelt interview with young French climber Matisse Rondel, who survived a tree strike and a car collision, and a delightful segment on ethically produced buffalo mozzarella from Tenuta Vanulo. Looking ahead, the podcast previews Stage 7’s grueling ascent of Blockhouse, a decisive climb that could reshape the general classification, with riders like Jai Hindley and Ben O'Connor expressing confidence in their form.