Giro d'Italia stage 21 – Live coverage
Bernal set to triumph in Milan but who will win the final TT?
Buongiorno and welcome to the Cyclingnews live coverage of stage 21 of the 2021 Giro d'Italia.
The final 30.3km time trial to Milan is set to crown Egan Bernal as overall winner as Filippo Ganna tries to hold off the other time trialists to win the final stage.
We'll have all the action from the first rider off to Bernal finishing in Piazza Duomo, plus all the post-race celebrations and analysis.
As the Cyclingnews blimp takes height over Milan, the first rider is about to start the TT.
Riccardo Minali (Intermarche) is first off at 1:45 local time.
He is trying to 'defend' is maglia nera as last in the GC.
Click below fore the full start times.
Minali rolls down the start ramp and so we're off!
Most of the riders start at 1-minute interviews, with the final 15 riders off every three minutes to ensure a fair fight for the GC placings.
Minali is riding steady on the roads towards central Milan.
This is the map of the TT.
Other riders are warming up for their effort.
#Giro 🔥 Our first two riders down the ramp are warming up with @Elite_cycling . @MaxRicheze @sebasmolano_ #UAETeamEmirates #RideTogether pic.twitter.com/gqkUqyfWXtMay 30, 2021
This is the start ramp.
#Giro 🔥 Our first two riders down the ramp are warming up with @Elite_cycling . @MaxRicheze @sebasmolano_ #UAETeamEmirates #RideTogether pic.twitter.com/gqkUqyfWXtMay 30, 2021
It's warm, sunny and 23C in Milan at the moment.
Bodnar is the first rider off who is really targeting the stage victory.
Bodnar is fully kitted out for the TT with a full length skinsuit covering all his arms.
He quickly catches and passes Richeze.
Here's Ganna.
3-2-1 Ganna is off!
Ganna is world time trial champion and chasing a fifth consecutive time trial victory after his three wins in 2020 and his victory in the opening TT in Turin.
If he wins, he will beat Francesco Moser's record of four wins in 1994-1985.
Ganna's biggest rival Eduardo Affini of Jumbo starts too.
The stage will perhaps be decided between these early starters and TT specialists.
Peter Sagan is also underway. And Cameron Meyer will start soon.
The Australian could go all out today.
Ganna dives into a tight curve and accelerates out of the saddle as soon as possible before quickly getting back into his aero tuck.
There are sections exposed to side winds and so Affini tries to stay close to the right.
According to unofficial times after 5km, Ganna already leads Affini by 11 seconds.
We'll see if that is right at the first time split after 9.2km.
Ganna is flying and about to catch his minute-man Iljo Keisse.
Ganna sets 10:18 at the first tine check
Affini sets 10:33. He's 15 seconds slower than Ganna. He seems to have endured a slow start and is perhaps fatigued after a long, hard Giro.
Minali is the first to finish the TT in a time of 37:27 in central Milan.
Ganna has 15km to go. He's halfway to probable victory as he pushes a 58x14 gear.
Bodnar is new fastest time with 34:42.
That's the benchmark for Ganna to beat.
Ganna is chasing down his minute men one after another.
21:55 for Ganna at the second time check. He's the fastest.
The second check is after 18.8km.
Elia Viviani finishes his Giro in a time 2:50 slower than Bodnar.
Ganna is taking risk but its not a perfect ride, he almost crashes on a fast corner.
Brandl sets a time of 35:11. Good but not the best time.
Affini is 30 seconds or slower than Ganna. He's pushing a big gear but is struggling to get it round.
Seven minutes left to race for Ganna.
Ganna is not fully focused and may have a slight problem with his bike but he keeps blasting away.
Ganna is in the centre of Milan now.
Ganna passes Cimolai and the ISN rider waves him past.
4km to go for Ganna.
Ganna is on the long straight Corso Buenos Aires that cuts to the centre of Milan.
He bumps over tram tracks but stays in his aero position.
Ganna has a flat!
He signals he has a rear flat and so does a bike change.
His bike change was quick but he lost at least 15 seconds.
Ganna is close to the finish.
Ganna sets a time of 33:48 despite his late puncture.
He is fastest.
Ganna is not happy but he is fastest, moving Max Walscheid off the hot seat.
Here comes Affini. Can he go faster?
Affini stops the clock in 34:01
That is 12 seconds slower than Ganna, who was hit by a late puncture.
Ganna heads to the hot seat. It is difficult to see who can beat him now.
Maybe Cavagna or Bettiol but it will be a big ask.
Peter Sagan finishes, waving to the public. He will be on the final podium thanks to winning the cyclamen-coloured points jersey.
Here's Ganna at speed.