Italian Diego Ulissi Ends Giro d’Italia Pink Jersey Drought

Diego Ulissi made history at the Giro d'Italia by becoming the first Italian in four years to wear the prestigious Maglia Rosa, achieving this after finishing third in stage eight and overtaking Slovenian Primoz Roglic. At 35, Ulissi expressed deep emotion and joy, reflecting on his career achievements and childhood dreams as he prepared to ride through his home region of Tuscany wearing the pink jersey. Although Australian Luke Plapp won stage eight with a solo breakaway, Ulissi's performance was enough to build a slender lead in the general classification. Ulissi acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially on the demanding stage nine route through Tuscany's strade bianche, but vowed to give his all to defend the jersey. His accomplishment has captivated Italy, ending an 86-stage wait for a homegrown leader and highlighting a veteran's crowning moment in a long and successful career. Ulissi's sentimental connection to the jersey and race underscores the significance of this achievement both personally and nationally.