Italian cyclist Giulio Pellizzari of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe secured a fifth-place finish during the 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia from Aosta to Pila on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The 22-year-old rider successfully navigated the 133-kilometer mountain route, finishing just over a minute behind stage winner Jonas Vingegaard.
This performance propelled Pellizzari to sixth place in the general classification, placing him 4 minutes and 22 seconds behind the pink jersey.
Teammate Jai Hindley holds third place overall.
A Strong Recovery After Illness
Pellizzari had spent much of the race at the back of the peloton before finding his rhythm on the final climb to assist Hindley, who is targeting a podium spot in Rome.
Following the grueling stage, the young Italian rider expressed his relief and gratitude regarding his physical turnaround.
"The Giro is not over yet, we will give everything. I am happy to be able to fight here with Jai," said Pellizzari.
"I was racing against myself and trying to give everything and stay focused. I can only thank the people who have helped me in recent days.
Without them, I would probably have stopped and gone home."
The climber acknowledged that his performance marked a turning point in his Grand Tour campaign as the race heads toward its final week.
He reiterated his timeline for the race during subsequent media interviews on Sunday.
"Finally I can say that I am moving forward.
I don't feel 100 percent yet, but I was happy with my form yesterday, and was happy to be there with Jai.
We are still on our way to the podium, we can still compete there towards Rome," said Pellizzari.
The rider remained resolute about the final stages of the Italian Grand Tour, dismissing those who doubt the unpredictability of the remaining mountainous routes.
He noted that the race remains wide open for all top contenders.
"I have always said that the Giro finishes in Rome, and that applies to everyone. Everyone laughs when I say that, but Jonas will keep racing until Rome.
It will be tough, but we just have to ride our own race," said Pellizzari.
Pellizzari also pointed out specific upcoming stages in the final week that would test the peloton, highlighting the extreme difficulty of the high-altitude terrain.
He identified the nineteenth stage as the most formidable challenge left in the race.
"The stage in the Dolomites (stage 19) is very tough, there is heavy climbing throughout. That seems the toughest.
The one to Piancavallo (stage 20) is also difficult. To Cari (stage 16) is short, and only short climbing, so I don't know.
It will be hard," said Pellizzari.
Custom Helmet Draws Attention
Beyond his recent competitive resurgence, Pellizzari drew media attention for a customized Specialized Evade4 helmet provided by Red Bull, which he first wore on Thursday, May 21.
The helmet features symbolic artwork representing his career milestone elements, including drawings of his hometown Camerino, a noble crown referencing his nickname "The Duke of Camerino," a pizza for Naples, and sunglasses honoring a 2024 eyewear gift from Tadej Pogacar.
The helmet also displays a central logotype from Di Mezzo, one of the three historical factions competing in Camerino's traditional Corsa alla Spada festival.
Representatives of the local historical organization expressed deep appreciation for the gesture online.
"For us, it is not just a symbol: it is belonging, history, pride and heart.
Knowing that Giulio has chosen to carry it with him in his sporting challenges moves us deeply and fills us with gratitude.
We will accompany you with affection and always cheer for you, with the pride of seeing a piece of our Terziero run with you.
Thank you for wanting to represent our reality with such a simple yet meaningful gesture! On behalf of all the Terziero di Mezzo, thank you Giulio!"
the organization wrote.
Following Saturday's stage, Giro d'Italia organizers shared video footage showing Pellizzari sharing a downhill ski lift ride with fellow Italian rider Davide Piganzoli of Visma-Lease a Bike.
The video captured Piganzoli teasing Pellizzari, who appeared visibly uncomfortable with heights during the descent from the mountain finish.
