In an electrifying Stage 20, Simon Yates seized the pink jersey from Team UAE Emirates’ Isaac Del Toro, leaving spectators stunned as he pulled away. Yates’ remarkable performance enabled him to put four minutes between himself and his competitors, reclaiming the coveted maglia rosa.

The 21-year-old Mexican talent found himself in a tight spot on the Colle delle Finestre. He matched moves with Richard Carapaz yet failed to pursue Yates, ultimately forfeiting his lead during this nail-biting Giro d'Italia.

Thomas Questions Del Toro's Strategy

In the aftermath, cycling veteran Geraint Thomas took to his podcast, 'Watts Occuring,' to express his disbelief at Del Toro's strategy. "Do you need experience to realize that the third place is pulling away? And if you stop pedaling, you’re just losing time? My five-year-old son would get that," Thomas declared, pointing out that this was only Del Toro’s second Grand Tour and that naivety was no excuse for miscalculating the race.

Stage 20 marked a bittersweet moment for Simon Yates, who celebrated a solo victory seven years after a disappointing collapse at the Giro. This admirable win catapulted him from third place straight to the pink jersey.

Rivalry Heats Up: Carapaz Weighs In

Meanwhile, veteran rider Carapaz wasn't holding back in his criticism of Del Toro. "We could have been the strongest team out there, but we weren't the smartest," he stated, digging at Del Toro's racing acumen. His sharp comments underscored the tactical blunders that cost Del Toro the race.

As Yates accelerates towards his second Grand Tour victory, having previously won the Vuelta a España in 2018, Del Toro will settle for a second-place finish while still wearing the white jersey for the best young rider. Canada’s Derek Gee will claim fourth position, satisfied with his effort amidst the fierce competition of 2025 Giro d'Italia.