Prodhomme solos to Giro stage 19 win in mountains, Del Toro extends overall lead

Frenchman Nicolas Prodhomme won a sizzling stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia on Friday run over five Alpine peaks where an expected title showdown failed to fully ignite.

Overall leader Isaac del Toro of Mexico is 43 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz of Ecuador while Briton Simon Yates is third at 1min 21s after losing 22sec on the day.

EF rider Carapaz attacked late on in the race and Del Toro again proved he could keep up.

🔻 The greatest kilometer of his life. A spectacular ride, and a maiden Grand Tour win for Nicolas Prodhomme, who offers France their first win on the #GirodItalia!

⏪ The @continental_it Ultimo Kilometro#GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/hmBEeSp44X
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 30, 2025

Former Giro champion Carapaz was satisfied with his day's work.

"I think we were all very tired, and in the end I just had to give it a try. But I think it was a good stage. I think we can make it with Del Toro so I’ve got to be happy with my performance."

Visma rider Simon Yates was unable to follow the pair and said he would be reviewing the situation ahead of Saturday's blockbuster, appearing annoyed at the line.

"We’ll see how the legs are. The legs are good today so hoping for the same tomorrow and that I can try something," said the pure climber who may yet take the title.

His twin brother Adam Yates took it easy Friday and will help sherpa UAE teammate Del Toro on the penultimate day.

Prodhomme's face was twisted with the effort as he broke away from a large escape group.

"I've waited a long time for a win. I won my first race a week ago and now I win here in the Giro d'Italia."

🎙️ "I won my first race 3 weeks ago, and now I win on the #GirodItalia. I'm very happy.
Before today, I had 2 top 5, because I don't take enough risks. Today I had to take risks." - 🏆 🇫🇷 @NicoProdhomme (DAT) pic.twitter.com/4OTFjgcH3j
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 30, 2025

On a scenic route with the temperature tipping 30C the peloton set a medium pace, keeping their powder dry for a title showdown at Sestriere ski resort Saturday.

MEXICANS ARRIVING IN ROME

Stage 20 ends with a gruelling 20km climb up the Colle delle Finestre -- the moment when the winner is likely to emerge.

For now Del Toro, who took the lead on stage nine in Siena, looks to have the legs to complete the job.

He also has the support of his home nation, not known for producing road cyclists.

He received a message from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday.

"It’s amazing, I cannot believe it to be honest. All the people in my country now start to see the sport and how hard it is," said the affable Del Toro.

"I can't believe that I'm the guy who's representing the country, they need to send a better one I think."

🎙️ "I had the legs to be with Richard, today was incredible. Everyone in Mexico is starting to see how hard cycling is. I can't believe I'm the guy representing their country" - 🩷 🇲🇽 @ISAACDELTOROx1 (UAD)#GirodItalia pic.twitter.com/7lCxx1l9lP
— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) May 30, 2025

Sunday's final stage will be a triumphant roll into Rome that passes through the Vatican city with hoards of Mexicans expected.

STAGE 19 RESULTS

1. Nicolas Prodhomme (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) – 4:50:35 (B10)

2. Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – 4:51:33 (B6)

3. Richard Carapaz (EF Education - EasyPost) – 4:51:33 (B4)

4. Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious) – 4:51:57

5. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – 4:51:57

6. Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) – 4:51:57

7. Simon Yates (Team Visma - Lease a Bike) – 4:51:57

8. Rafal Majka (UAE Team Emirates XRG) – 4:51:57

9. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) – 4:51:57 (B6)

10. Einer Rubio (Movistar Team) – 4:51:57