Pope Leo XIV blessed the 159 cyclists competing in the Giro d’Italia as the three-week race’s final stage began with an unprecedented ride through the Vatican gardens behind St.

The final stage of this year’s race begins in Vatican City and features a Rome city centre circuit, which will see Simon Yates crowned 2025 winner

Though Lidl-Trek lost GC rider Giulio Ciccone in the second week – he still came to Rome to celebrate with the team – they'll leave the Giro more than contented. "We didn't have the time of our lives but we had a really good time," Pedersen said after stage 21.

Picture the scene in the Visma-Lease a Bike team bus on the morning of the 20th stage of this fairytale edition of the Giro d'Italia. The previous day has been disappointing for Simon Yates, accusations were being bandied around about whether the team had followed the plan or not.