The 2025 Giro d'Italia continues to deliver electrifying moments, and Stage 9 was no exception. With its iconic white gravel sectors and dramatic racing, cycling’s grand tour offered fans an unforgettable battle from Gubbio to the historic streets of Siena. This stage not only crowned a new stage winner but also turned the general classification on its head.

A Gravel Stage to Remember

Stage 9 saw the peloton tackle 181 challenging kilometers, featuring almost 30km of the legendary Strade Bianche gravel roads. These sectors are known for creating chaos and reshuffling the favorites. Right from the start, teams like XDS-Astana and Q36.5 set a high pace, keeping the breakaway on a tight leash. As the cyclists entered Tuscany, tension rose, and the weather, a mix of sun and clouds, added to the uncertainty.

The day’s major drama unfolded as crashes and punctures plagued top contenders, including pre-race favorite Primož Roglič. He suffered both a crash and a flat, losing significant time in the general classification. This was just one of many incidents that highlighted the unpredictability of the Giro d'Italia.

Wout van Aert’s Brilliant Victory

The spotlight, however, belonged to Wout van Aert. The Belgian, riding his debut Giro, showcased his experience on gravel and steep, punchy climbs. In the final kilometers, he teamed up with the young Mexican sensation Isaac Del Toro. The two distanced themselves from Egan Bernal and the rest, setting up a thrilling dash for the finish.

Del Toro did most of the work as they approached Siena, but van Aert made his decisive move on the final twisty climb into Piazza del Campo. Powering through the last corners, he surged past Del Toro to claim a memorable stage win. Reflecting on his triumph, van Aert said, “It had to be here, I believe, because this place is where my road career started back in 2018.”

For a full, live breakdown of stage developments and in-depth analysis, visit the Cyclingnews live report for Giro d'Italia Stage 9.

Isaac Del Toro Takes the Maglia Rosa

While van Aert celebrated the stage win, Isaac Del Toro’s consistent strength earned him the maglia rosa. The 21-year-old crossed the line just behind van Aert, moving into the overall race lead with over a minute’s advantage over Juan Ayuso and Antonio Tiberi. Del Toro’s ride was marked by both tactical brilliance and raw power, making him a real contender as the race heads into the rest day.

As reported by The Guardian, Del Toro “pulled for the entirety of the last 15 kilometers,” showing courage and resilience well beyond his years. Despite losing out to van Aert in the sprint, his ride was nothing short of exceptional.

Key Takeaways from Stage 9

• The gravel sectors once again proved crucial, rewarding experience and punishing mistakes.
• Wout van Aert’s tactical patience and knowledge of the Strade Bianche finish paid off spectacularly.
• Isaac Del Toro now leads the Giro d'Italia overall, earning the maglia rosa after outlasting many seasoned pros.
• Crashes and mechanicals impacted the GC, notably for Primož Roglič, who slid down the standings.

For more about van Aert’s emotional comeback and stage victory, don’t miss this feature article: Never doubt Wout.

What’s Next in Giro d’Italia?

The race now heads into a well-earned rest day with Stage 10 set to be an individual time trial from Lucca to Pisa. The general classification will likely continue to evolve, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The Giro d'Italia remains a race where legends are born and every stage matters. For ongoing updates, detailed recaps, and expert insights, follow trusted sources like Cyclingnews and The Guardian. Stay tuned as the race continues its unforgettable journey through Italy!