S14 Ep42: Stage 9 | Cervia - Corno alle Scale | Giro d’Italia 2026
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Jonas Vingegaard claimed his second stage win of the 2026 Giro d'Italia on the brutal Corno alle Scale climb, defeating Felix Gao in a tactical masterclass that sparked debate over whether he was conserving energy for the Tour de France. The stage, from Cervia to Corno alle Scale, saw a dramatic breakaway group form early, with Giulio Ciccone launching a blistering attack that briefly put him ahead. However, Vingegaard’s team, Decathlon, executed a flawless chase, with Felix Gao doing most of the work before Vingegaard launched his decisive move with a kilometer to go. The win tightened the general classification, cutting Alfonso Iwaglio’s lead to 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Meanwhile, the podcast dissected the growing narrative that Vingegaard is saving himself for the Tour, with host Daniel Fried arguing it’s a rational strategy given the rest day and upcoming time trial. The episode also featured a deep dive into the cultural heartland of Emilia Romagna, with music, history, and local cuisine woven into the storytelling, including a tribute to Marco Pantani and a nostalgic look at the 1998 Giro. The Chiacchierata del Giorno spotlighted the Dukes of Hazards—Matt White and Max Chandry—while the podcast’s trademark blend of humor, analysis, and on-the-ground reporting shone through.
Jonas Vingegaard won Stage 9 on Corno alle Scale with a calculated effort, not full exertion, suggesting strategic energy conservation for the Tour de France.
Decathlon’s team tactics were flawless, with Felix Gao doing most of the work before Vingegaard’s final move, proving their dominance in high-stakes racing.
Alfonso Iwaglio’s pink jersey lead was cut to 2 minutes and 24 seconds, but he remains in strong position heading into the time trial.
The 42km time trial on Tuesday will be a defining moment, with Felix Gao expected to ride his best TT yet due to technical improvements.
Pellici’s inebriated climb and post-stage antics became a viral moment, highlighting the human side of the Giro d'Italia.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Corno alle Scale
The hosts arrive at the finish line in Corno alle Scale, setting the scene with a Romanian bar, local beer, and a humorous mix of languages. They introduce the episode’s focus: the dramatic ninth stage and the growing narrative around Vingegaard’s tactics.
The Stage Breakdown: Cervia to Corno alle Scale
A detailed recap of the stage: early breakaway, Ciccone’s attack, the peloton’s response, and Vingegaard’s final surge. The hosts analyze the tactical decisions, especially Decathlon’s control and Gao’s role.
The Vingegaard Narrative: Saving for the Tour?
“I think he could have gone way harder today. When we get to the last week, if he has a four-minute advantage and, you know, that's maybe what we're looking at not too many days, particularly after the time trial, then I think it becomes a legitimate theory.”
Pellici’s Inebriated Climb and the Cultural Heartland
“Pelacci, of course, is back with us from Tuesday. So from the time trial and he's with us until the end, until I kick him out of the car. Should I be on standby? Yeah, definitely. Definitely.”
The Dukes of Hazards: Matt White & Max Chandry
“The Dukes of Hazzard, why? Because Max Chandry and Matt White, both of whom have featured a lot on the cycling podcast, particularly the Giro over the years, they're in the Movistar team car together at this Giro d'Italia.”
“If it was like 150, it was like around there. I think you snapped the hand off for two. Yeah? Yeah, I was going to say, I thought we might get to three. I thought you might even sign for three.”
“Pelacci, of course, is back with us from Tuesday. So from the time trial and he's with us until the end, until I kick him out of the car. Should I be on standby? Yeah, definitely. Definitely.”
“I think the time trial is too long for adding that type of leader's jersey. Thrill everyone's so worried about this blue skin suit that Jonas is gonna have to wear they're talking about it as though it's like a parka jacket.”
Hosts
daniel fried
person
brian
person
jonas vingegaard
person
corno alle scale
place
felix gao
person
alison iwaaglio
person
decathlon
other
emilia romagna
place
vero ciclismo pelacci
person
marco pantani
person
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