Guillermo Thomas Silva (XDS-Astana) made history in the 2026 Giro d’Italia today as the first ever rider from Uruguay to win a stage and take the Maglia Rosa. This is Silva’s 8th pro win and only his second in Europe after winning one stage in GP Beiras e Serra da Estrela last year, and the first ever in a World Tour race. His last victory was the overall classification (plus two stages) of the Tour of Hainan in China three weeks ago.
It was a hard fought final with only 34 riders in contention for the victory after Jonas Vingegaard attacked, keeping only Giulio Pellizzari and Lennert Van Eetvelt with him but they were reeled in in the last kilometre of racing.
Speaking in the press conference, the stage winner and Maglia Rosa Guillermo Thomas Silva said: “My family has supported me greatly as a cyclist since I was a kid, so it’s great for them to be here in Bulgaria for my first Giro d’Italia and witness my win. I’m super happy for them as well. Clearly, my team-mates have been fundamental in making me a winner today. They’ve put me in the best possible position. I took a lot from the experienced riders of the team. It’s a win of the whole team. We’ll see for how long I can retain the Maglia Rosa. Firstly, I want to enjoy the moment and fly to Italy with the jersey. It was already historical for my country to have an Uruguayan taking part for the first time. It’s even more historical with the Maglia Rosa. I was always watching the Giro in previous years. With the time difference, in Uruguay it was a morning activity. This race has produce many champions and carries so much history. It’s a huge honour to be in the lead now”.
Stage 2 Brief Results:
- Guillermo Thomas Silva (XDS Astana Team) – 221 km in 5h39’25” average speed 39.067 km/h
- Florian Stork (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) s.t.
- Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) s.t.
General Classification After Stage 2:
- Guillermo Thomas Silva (XDS Astana Team)
- Florian Stork (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) at 4″
- Egan Bernal (Netcompany Ineos) at 4″
Official Jerseys
- Maglia Rosa, leader of the General Classification, sponsored by Io Sono Friuli Venezia Giulia – Guillermo Thomas Silva (XDS Astana Team)
- Maglia Ciclamino, leader of the Points Classification, in cooperation with ITA – Italian Trade Agency – Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step)
- Maglia Azzurra, leader of the Gran Premio della Montagna Classification, sponsored by Banca Mediolanum – Diego Pablo Sevilla (Team Polti VisitMalta)
- Maglia Bianca, Best Young Rider Classification, born after 1 January 2001, sponsored by Conad – Guillermo Thomas Silva (XDS Astana Team) – worn by Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates – XRG)
STATISTICS
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