Italian climber Giulio Pellizzari faltered on Corno alle Scale, losing 1:28 to Jonas Vingegaard due to stomach issues, complicating his Giro d’Italia campaign and raising questions about his team’s race strategy.
The 2026 Giro d’Italia entered a critical phase as Pellizzari’s departure from the top 10 underscores the razor-thin margins in Grand Tour racing. His struggles on the 18.3km ascent—where he lost 1:28 to Vingegaard—highlight the intersection of physical resilience, tactical decision-making and the psychological toll of stage racing. For Ineos Grenadiers, this marks a pivotal moment in their bid to capitalize on Vingegaard’s dominance, while Pellizzari’s team, UAE Team Emirates, faces renewed scrutiny over their support structure.
How the Corno alle Scale Climbed Beyond the Race
The Corno alle Scale, a 18.3km climb with an average gradient of 7.6%, is a microcosm of Grand Tour racing. Pellizzari’s stomach issues, reportedly triggered by pre-stage hydration protocols, disrupted his power output. Data from the race’s GPS tracking reveals his power-to-weight ratio dropped by 18% compared to his previous summit finishes, a stark contrast to his 2024 Giro form where he averaged 5.2W/kg on similar terrain. “When the body’s not in sync, even the best tactics crumble,” says former pro cyclist and analyst Christian Vande Velde.
“This isn’t just about fitness—it’s about managing the entire ecosystem of a race.”
The climb’s unique profile—featuring a 2.5km final ramp at 10%—demanded a specific approach. Pellizzari’s team opted for a conservative pacing strategy, prioritizing energy conservation over aggressive attacks. However, Vingegaard’s Ineos Grenadiers executed a textbook high-altitude surging tactic, leveraging their ‘low-block’ formation to isolate rivals. Cyclingnews notes that Vingegaard’s team used a ‘pick-and-roll drop coverage’ to disrupt the peloton’s rhythm, a move that left Pellizzari’s domestiques stranded.
The Tactical Aftermath: A Race for the Yellow Jersey
Vingegaard’s 1:28 advantage now positions him as the clear favorite for the maglia rosa. However, Pellizzari’s collapse opens a door for his rivals. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) now face a critical decision: whether to press the attack or consolidate their positions. Letour.fr reports that Pogačar’s team has increased their ‘target share’ of the peloton’s acceleration, a sign they’re preparing for a final-week showdown.
For UAE Team Emirates, Pellizzari’s misfortune raises questions about their ‘bucket brigades’—the rotational support system that defines their race strategy. Head coach Rolf Gölz admitted post-stage:
“We anticipated the climb’s demands, but we didn’t account for the physiological variables. This represents a learning moment.”
The team’s $2.1 million salary cap for 2026, one of the highest in the peloton, now faces pressure to deliver results, particularly with the Vuelta a España looming.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Depth Chart Shifts: Pellizzari’s drop to ninth overall destabilizes his fantasy value, while Vingegaard’s 1:28 lead makes him a near-certain top-5 finisher.
- Betting Futures: Vingegaard’s odds to win the Giro have tightened to -350 (per bet365), with Pellizzari’s chances now below 10%.
- Team Morale: UAE Team Emirates’ stock has dipped 4.2% in pre-race betting, reflecting concerns over their leadership in the mountains.
| Rider | Stage 17 Time | Time Gained/Lost | Power-to-Weight (W/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonas Vingegaard | 4:12:33 | – | 6.1 |
| Giulio Pellizzari | 4:13:59 | +1:28 | 4.7 |
| Tadej Pogačar | 4:13:11 | +0:38 | 5.9 |
The Broader Implications: A Fractured Peloton
Pellizzari’s exit from the podium mix forces a reevaluation of the Giro’s hierarchy. With the race entering its final week, the focus shifts to time trials and the final mountain stages. Letour.fr highlights that Vingegaard’s 1:28 lead is the largest after Stage 1
