Benjamin Thomas is the surprise winner of the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia 2024. The French sprinter managed to beat his breakaway companions to the finish line in Lucca after a stage finish enlivened by the finisseur attack of Andrea Pietrobon (Polti-Kometa). The Cofidis rider, interviewed by Rai after the stage, said he was thrilled with his first victory in a grand tour that then came in a stage from which he did not have too many expectations, in which everyone expected a compact bunch sprint.

A pistard who has won everything in velodromes and today had his day of glory on the road as well, in a grand tour. “This one is really special for me. A victory in the Giro I dreamed about it but I didn’t imagine it, it’s something bigger than me. I’m not a great champion on the road, but I had my champion’s day today.”

Thomas’ victory came in a highly adrenaline-fueled stage, characterized by a second breakaway of four riders that started mid-stage. “Sometimes you have to take risks, if we don’t take risks we don’t win anything in life. It was a tough battle with the peloton and the last kilometers were very tactical and I played with my breakaway companions and in the end it went well for me. Today it had to be like this and I am too happy.”

Thomas, who speaks truly perfect Italian, has a special relationship with Italy, partly because his fiancée, professional cyclist Martina Alzini, is Italian. A factor that makes this stage win even more special and unforgettable. “Especially because today that she had told me ‘what are you doing today?’ and I ‘Nothing, today the sprinters win, I’m saving myself for tomorrow.’