S14 Ep40: Stage 7 | Formia - Blockhaus | Giro d’Italia 2026

The Cycling Podcast delivers a gripping recap of Stage 7 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, from Formia to the Blockhouse in Abruzzo, a brutal 244-kilometer stage marked by cold, wet weather and fierce winds. Jonas Vingegaard delivered a masterclass in mountain racing, launching a decisive attack with 5.5 kilometers to go that left Giulio Pellissari clinging desperately to his wheel before being dropped. Vingegaard soloed to victory, with Felix Gall mounting a remarkable comeback to finish second, just 13 seconds behind. Pellissari’s premature chase—echoing past mistakes by riders like Tadej Pogačar’s pursuers—cost him dearly, dropping him to fourth and reinforcing a recurring theme: the danger of overeager moves on the first major mountain stage. The general classification remains tight, with Alfonso El Áglio retaining the pink jersey, but Vingegaard now just 17 seconds behind. The episode also explores team strategies, rider psychology, and the cultural nuances of the Giro, including a nostalgic look at 1974’s Formia start and a deep dive into the lore of Grand Tour jerseys and team customs. With a triple-header of tough stages looming, the Giro is far from decided.