Benjamin Thomas

Promised for sprinters, this stage will have succeeded for breakaways. With less than 80 kilometers to go, Benjamin Thomas (28, five-time world track champion) and three other riders formed the day's breakaway. The four escapees worked so well together that they managed to keep the peloton at a good distance. At the flamme rouge, Italian rider Andrea Pietrobon, who had been skipping the relays for a few kilometers, tried his luck. And just when it looked as if he'd given his breakaway companions the slip, Benjamin Thomas, like a good pistard, positioned himself, temporized and accelerated to cut the line in a strong move. United Nations Festival in Paris A festival of firsts! First Ekoï victory on the Giro 2024. First Cofidis success of the year. First trophy for Benjamin Thomas on a Grand Tour (10th pro victory) Declarations: From the winner: "It was a very long chase! With around ten kilometers to go, we had a bit of a lead on the peloton and I knew there was a move to be made (...) I knew the finish and I think that helped me. I'm very happy to win in Italy." From sport director Roberto Damiani: "It's a real team effort. This victory feels so good! Simon (Greschke) was in the breakaway at the start and then we rode in a group until the intermediate sprint. Benjamin attacked afterwards, the peloton stalled and the breakaway went on to the finish. He managed the finish well before taking the win." Ekoï equipment: Ekoï AR14 helmet + Twenty goggles