As it happened: Tadej Pogačar wins Giro d'Italia as Tim Merlier wins Rome sprint

Buongiorno and welcome to Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 21 of the 2024 Giro d'Italia!

It is the final stage of the 2024 Giro d'Italia. Three weeks of intense racing around Italy coming to a close with a circuit around the capital city of Rome. Tadej Pogačar (UAD) was expected to dominate and he hasn't disappointed. What a performance for the superstar Slovenian. 

Going into the final stage, the jerseys look like this:

Pink, Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates
Purple, Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl-Trek
Blue, Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates*
White, Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious

*Worn by, Giulio Pellizzari (ITA) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane

Even the UAE Team Emirates team bus has got the pink treatment in Rome.

Of course, this race didn't quite kick off the way Pogačar (UAD) was hoping as the Slovenian tried to take pink on stage one but was thwarted by the Ecuadorian champion, Jhonatan Narváez (IGD).

Pogačar, of course, went on to dominate on stage two to Oropa, but it was a humbling moment for him to not even take second on the opening stage with Max Schachmann (BOH) out-sprinting him, too. 

After that, Pogačar (UAD) settled into the race with a few sprint stages taking place. However, both he and Geraint Thomas (IGD) hijacked a late attack by Mikkel Honore (EFE) on stage three and almost surprised the peloton. But, Tim Merlier (SOQ) stole the win in the first bunch sprint of the race. 

Jonathan Milan (LTK) took his first stage win a day later with Benjamin Thomas (COF) holding off the peloton on stage five with his breakaway partners to take a surprise win. 

The gravel of Tuscany then came for the riders with yet more breakaway success and a first Grand Tour win for Pelayo Sanchez (MOV) who outsprinted former world champion, Julian Alaphilipppe (SOQ). But, the Frenchman wasn't done with the race just yet.

Pogačar (UAD) stole the win for Filippo Ganna (IGD) in the first of two ITTs at the race and Geraint Thomas (IGD) had a bad day. The Slovenian rider in pink then took his third win in the first week and his dominance would continue all the way through the next two. 

The breakaway opened week two with a win and it was Valentin Paret-Peintre (DAT) who not only took his first Grand Tour win, but, he also took his first win as a pro. Matching his brother, Aurelien, who took a stage at the Giro in 2023.

Milan (LTK) added another couple of wins on stage 11 and 13. Alaphilippe (SOQ) also came back and took an emotional solo win after a brilliant duo with Mirko Maestri (VBF). Ganna (IGD) finally took his ITT win and opened his account for the season and Pogačar (UAD) closed out another week with a hammer blow in GC. 

The final week was greeted with another Pogačar (UAD) win as the pink jersey stretched his lead and actually looked like he wasn't even trying as he tapped away on the pedals and left the rest behind. 

Breakaway star of this race, Georg Steinhauser (EFE) had his moment, though, a day later with a solo breakaway win where the young German held off Pogačar to win. Merlier (SOQ) took the penultimate sprint stage of the race, silencing the critics of how he performs in latter weeks of Grand Tour. Andrea Vendrame (DAT) won from a break on stage 19 and, of course, Pogačar obliterated the rest on the final proper race day with two times over the Monte Grappa.

But, today, it is back to the sprinters with Jonathan Milan (LTK) taking three wins, three seconds and one fifth. Tim Merlier (SOQ) has take two wins. The only other sprinter to come out with a win was Olav Kooij (TVL) who left the race after his stage 9 win. 

A nice custom kit for UAE Team Emirates as they show off their leader at sign on, earlier today. 

Very toasty weather on stage 21 in Rome with the temperature up at 27°C, that is around 81°F. 

The riders have started the neutral zone. 

125km to go

We are 'racing'... In name only. The Haribo is out, the smiles are beaming and the procession has begun. UAE Team Emirates complete the Giro with a full compliment of riders who are decked out in pink. 

Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates team have had their photos on the front, It is now the turn of Jonathan Milan and his Lidl-Trek team. 

Milan becomes the first rider to win back-to-back points jerseys at the Giro since Giacomo Nizzolo in 2015 and 2016.

Antonio Tiberi and his Bahrain Victorious team now on the front as the Italian rider becomes the first native to win white since Fabio Aru in 2015. 

Team after team moving up to have their time at the front and to get their photos. Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale look to be next as they have dominated the team standings in the end as they beat Ineos Grenadiers by almost 45 minutes. 

The jerseys at this year's Giro d'Italia... While Giulio Pellizzari (VBF) hasn't won the mountains jersey and is just wearing it for Tadej Pogačar (UAD), it feels like he deserves to be up there with the other jersey winners of Pogačar, Milan (LTK) and Tiberi (TBV). 

UAE Team Emirates have now upped the pace as they still head to the coast. Mikkel Bjerg has the lead and they are ticking along at 50kph. 

Now riding along the sea front with UAE Team Emirates continuing to lead. VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane and Ineos Grenadiers slotted in behind them followed by the rest of the bunch. 

100km to go

Into the final 100km of the 2024 Giro d'Italia. Geraint Thomas (IGD) and Alessandro De Marchi (JAY) have come up to the peloton to ask UAE Team Emirates to slow the racing down a bit as this is meant to be a procession, after all. 

The peloton is rolling along nicely at a steady pace now UAE Team Emirates have knocked back the tempo. 

A special day today for Domenico Pozzovivo as the Italian VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane veteran completes his 18th and final Giro d'Italia at the age of 41 where he is set to finish 20th in GC at +56'32" behind Pogačar (UAD). 

80km to go

The peloton now spread across the road with Ineos Grenadiers, UAE Team Emirates, VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizane and Groupama-FDJ leading the bunch. 

Domenico Pozzovivo (VBF) has been allowed to lead onto the circuit in Rome solo as the 41-year-old takes in his final ever Giro d'Italia stage. 

Pozzovivo (VBF) caught and the sprinters teams get to work with Pieter Serry leading the way for Tim Merlier's Soudal-QuickStep. 

Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek join Soudal-QuickStep on the front of the peloton working for Kaden Groves and Jonathan Milan. These three have been ever present at the front on sprint stages. 

Attack

Four riders accelerating led by Baudin (DAT) and Honore (EFE) leading the way. Costiou (ARK) and Marcellusi (VBF) also in there. 

The race now takes in all the famous sights of the 'Eternal City'.

Andrea Pietrobon (PTK), leader in the Fuga prize (most KMs at front of race), is trying to bridge across the gap. 

Tudor drag Pietrobon (PTK) back as they add their firepower to the chase for Dainese. 

Have a look at our amazing gallery from this superb race by clicking the link below...

>>> Creating history on Monte Grappa - Giro d'Italia stage 20 gallery 

It has been a brutal last few stages for Ben O'Connor (DAT) as he battled illness in his fight for the GC.

>>> Ben O’Connor fights illness to secure GC fourth as Decathlon AG2R celebrates successful Giro d’Italia 

And what a wonderful Giro it has been by Giulio Pellizzari (VBF) who has become the darling of Italian cycling, He wears the KoM jersey but doesn't own it out right. He also has a couple of top 10s and a second place. A very bright future ahead for him. 

>>> Giulio Pellizzari becomes Italy's new Giro d’Italia celebrity after more audacious mountain attacks 

60km to go

The peloton aren't giving this breakaway an inch today. 

The peloton now holding the break at +15". 

Mechanical

Tim Merlier (SOQ)

He does a cyclocross remount as he ran away from his mechanic. He seems to be very calm as he is having a laugh with his team staff. 

Not a bad place to ride your bike... 

The breakaway now have around +30" on the peloton led by Lidl-Trek, Tudor and Soudal-QuickStep as Alpecin-Deceuninck have disappeared from the front. 

40km to go

Just +24" gap between the peloton and the break. 

Across the finish line once again. This is a very tricky finale for the race and for a sprint stage too. Final corner coming with around 225 metres to go. 

InterGiro

Ewen Costiou (ARK) accelerates to take the InterGiro and has pushed on but is quickly dragged back. 

UAE Team Emirates have put a rider in to work so that Sebastian Molano can have a go in the sprint. 

Rear puncture

Kevin Colleoni (IWA) 

He is back riding now. 

30km to go

Just +15" between the break and the peloton now. 

Jimmy Janssens (ADC) is back on the front for Kaden Groves (ADC) as the break are in sight of the peloton with three laps to go. 

The break are riding together very well. They're also having some fun as they're smiling at each other as they really push the tempo. 

20km to go

Marcellusi (VBF) is really upping the pave in the break and Mikkel Honore (EFE) is struggling as he is riding with a broken rib. 

A very special moment for Martin Marcellusi (VBF) as he is the only rider from Rome in the race this year. 

Two laps to go and the gap are at +15". 

Crash

Dries De Pooter (IWA)
Hugo Hofstetter (IPT)
Michael Storer (TUD)
Nicolas Debeaumarche (COF)

Break caught. 

Michael Storer (TUD) getting caught up in that crash could be disastrous as he is 10th overall. 

Ryan Mullen (BOH) has brought his leader Dani Martínez (BOH) right to the front to make sure he is safe. 

Storer (TUD) should be okay in 10th on GC as he still has almost three minutes on his closest rival of Filippo Zana (JAY). 

10km to go

Serry (SOQ) back on the front as Martínez (BOH), Pogačar (UAD) and Thomas (IGD) are all being dragged up to the front to make absolutely sure they are safe. 

UAE Team Emirates now take over control with one lap to go. The final 9km of this year's Giro d'Italia. 

Bike change

Jonathan Milan (LTK) 

This is an absolute disaster as the points jersey has needed a bike change with UAE Team Emirates hammering on the pace in the peloton with just 8km to go. 

Ineos Grenadiers now take it up in the peloton with Connor Swift leading the way. They are merged with the UAE Team Emirates train. 

7km to go and Alpecin-Deceuninck come to the front en masse with +44" back to the points leader, Jonathan Milan (LTK) who is out of it. 

5km to go. Milan (LTK) is in the cars and is riding frantically. He could get back in but to get to the front again and compete for the win, that is going to be near impossible. +26" back to Milan who is doing a very good job, but is it enough? 

Stoerer (TUD) is still out of the back too as Milan (LTK) flies passed the Aussie with their respected team cars helping them out. 

Milan (LTK) is back in the peloton! Wow. That is a very good ride by him, but with 4km to go, can Ghebreigzabhier possibly drag him back to the front? 

Onto the climb we go and Pogačar (UAD) is right up to the front. Groupama-FDJ is leading the way for the moment. 

Lidl-Trek have done an incredible job as they are guiding Milan back to the front to have a go in this sprint. This would be a monumental effort for the giant Italian. 3km to go. 

Max Walscheid (JAY) hits the front for Ewan (JAY). Pogačar (UAD) almost got caught out by a rider finishing his turn. But now, the pink jersey hits the front to help his teammate, Molano. 

Flamme Rouge!

And here comes Lidl-Trek to the front! Jasper Stuyven pilots Theuns, Consonni and Milan right to the front. 

Soudal-Quickstep and Alpecin-Deceuninck challenge Lidl-Trek with 500 metres to go. Molano (UAD) there too. 

Tim Merlier (SOQ) wins stage 21 of the Giro d'Italia and incredibly Jonathan Milan (LTK) finishes just behind him in second place. 

But behind that, Tadej Pogačar (UAD) wins the Giro d'Italia 2024. 

Tim Merlier (SOQ) continues his brilliant form by taking his third stage win at this Giro d'Italia making it 10 victories this season. 

S21 top 10

1. Tim Merlier (BEL) Soudal-QuickStep 2:51'50"
2. Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl-Trek
3. Kaden Groves (AUS) Alpecin-Deceuninck
4. Fernando Gaviria (COL) Movistar
5. Tim van Dijke (NED) Visma-Lease a Bike
6. Stanislaw Aniolkowski (POL) Cofidis
7. Alberto Dainese (ITA) Tudor
8. Giovanni Lonardi (ITA) Polti-Kometa
9. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Jayco-AlUla
10. Donovan Grondin (FRA) Arkea-B&B Hotels, all S.T. 

Final GC

1. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 79:14'03"
2. Dani Martínez (COL) Bora-Hansgrohe +9'56"
3. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers +10'24"
4. Ben O'Connor (AUS) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale +12'07"
5. Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious +12'49"
6. Thymen Arensman (NED) +14'31"
7. Einer Rubio (COL) Movistar +15'52"
8. Jan Hirt (CZE) Soudal-QuickStep +18'05"
9. Romain Bardet (FRA) DSM-Firmenich-PostNL +20'32"
10. Michael Storer (AUS) Tudor +21'11"

Tim Merlier (SOQ) likening his sprint style at Nokere Koerse on the Nokereberg cobbled climb to what he did today and it did work perfectly for him. He is so good at sprinting on cobbles. 

Get the immediate reaction with our post race report by clicking the link below and keep an eye on our website for all the quotes and reactions as they come in as well as all the results from the others races this week.

>>> Giro d'Italia: Tim Merlier conquers sprint in Rome as Tadej Pogačar glides to overall glory 

Tim Merlier (SOQ) after his superb third win at this race:

"I have to say sorry to the guys because I couldn’t follow today. So we played a bit of catch up in the end. If I can take the cobbles positioned five or six, I can go from far on the cobbles. 

"I go with my speed. It works. I take the win for the team. For the people it’s a really big win. But for myself, it feels a bit strange because everybody was already on the plane yesterday, drinking beer and everything. Today we need to race. The first part easy, then it was full gas. For me this kind of race is a bit special, for sprinters a really nice victory."

Final jerseys:

Pink: Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates
Purple: Jonathan Milan (ITA) Lidl-Trek
Blue Tadej Pogačar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates
White: Antonio Tiberi (ITA) Bahrain Victorious

A perfect setting for a wonderful final podium for the top three in the general classification with Tadej Pogačar (UAD) flanked by Dani Martínez (BOH) and Geraint Thomas (IGD). 

Our Head of News Stephen Farrand heard from Geraint Thomas following the race finish today.

“I've been saying to a lot of people that this is the last time I'm going to race for GC. But give it a week and I'll probably start thinking about something else,” Geraint Thomas said, the fatigue and emotions of riding a 20th Grand Tour and taking a fifth podium spot clear to see.

Read the full story:

Third at the Giro d’Italia could be Geraint Thomas’ final Grand Tour GC performance

Pogacar was unsurprisingly on the podium more than once today.

As well as the maglia rosa he claimed the maglia azzurra.

And of course, he was typical Tadej in the maglia rosa too...

He also showcased his custom bike.

Cyclingnews editor Peter Stuart wrote a lot more about that yesterday.

Tadej Pogačar rides stunning custom Colnago to celebrate his imminent Giro d’Italia victory

And let's not forget Julian Alaphilippe who nabbed the overall combativity prize.

It's been quite a few weeks of racing at the Giro, and thank you for joining us for the ride. 

We'll have plenty more coming in this evening from our journalists on the ground Barry Ryan and Stephen Farrand so keep your eyes on our homepage for the latest news.

Just a reminder that Cyclingnews has digital subscribers too. Subscribing gives you unlimited access to all of our content as well as our premium subscriber exclusives. So please consider subscribing to join us for the rest of the 2024 season. And what a season it's going to be.

From all of us at Cyclingnews, thank you for reading.