Giro d'Italia stage 5 LIVE: A long rainy day in the hills promises more attacks and maglia rosa drama
The hills of Basilicata stand in the way on the 204km stage to Potenza
Five riders are clear, including the USA's Magnus Sheffield (Netcompany).
The first attack was pulled back but Sjoerd Bax (Pinarello Q36.5) has sparked another.
The pink party before the racing began.
The riders are on the valley road for now and it is dry but every rider has a rain cape on or in their pocket.
Ciccone in pink has a nice vibe.
They're off! the flag drops and the race director's car accelerates away.
Ciccone blows a kiss to someone in the crowd and smiles but the race is about to kick-off.
The riders are tucked up close to the race director's car. As is Cicocne and other Lidl riders.
That would be fascinating to see.
This is a clear sign of what to expect today.
Getting those legs turning ahead of stage five at the #GirodItalia 🔜We're going straight uphill from the off in Praia a Mare, before a second-category climb to spice up the run-in later on. pic.twitter.com/1ja0QK3D9yMay 13, 2026
3-2-1, the local mayor drops the flag the riders roll out of Praia a Mare on the coast.
Ciccone is dressed up in pink, with a special black Trek bike with pink decals.
The riders are lined-up on the line but are waiting for Giulio Ciccone to take to the front of the grid with the other classification jersey wearers.
The early climb offers a perfect point to attack and for a strong break to form and go clear.
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The umbrellas are out at the start as the rain starts to fall.
The riders can see the grey clouds on the hills as they sign on.
The rain is expected in 15km or so, when the stage climbs high into the hills. Team mechanics are quickly lowering the tyre pressures for wet conditions.
Lidl-Trek also know they face a tough day in the saddle if they are to chase the attacks and defedn the maglia rosa.
The fears for rain ands bad weather are evident at the start. Riders and teams are preparing for the worst.
And this is the stage map.
This is the stage profile.
Patrick Fletcher highlighted how the Giro "ramps up another notch on Wednesday's stage 5, which should see a big breakaway battle and maybe even some GC skirmishes."
This is our detailed stage 5 preview.
It's grey and cloudy at the start in Praia a Mare on the Calabrian coast. Rain and even thunder storms are likely later.
It's another stage in the south of Italy and another day for attacks and possible maglia rosa changes and attacks.
Buongiorno and welcome to the Cyclingnews live coverage of stage 5 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia.
We are 45 minutes from the stage start and teams are signing on.
