I don’t know about you, but I reckon the post-Giro hangover is in full swing. We’ve now had a few days to bask in the glory of Jonas Vingegaard, who was crowned the champion of the Giro’s 109th edition on Sunday.
No doubt about it, the Dane was the strongest throughout the three-week race, which started almost a month ago on the banks of the Black Sea in Bulgaria. However, between Afonso Eulálio’s memorable stint in the pink jersey, Jhonathan Narvaéz’s breakaway exhibitions and Giulio Ciccone’s KOM arguments, the 2026 Giro showcased plenty of storylines to follow as the riders made their way through Italy.
Photographer Chris Auld followed the race from Burgas to Rome, snapping the bunch throughout the three weeks. Here are some of his best shots from this year’s race for pink.
The Giro d’Italia started in Bulgaria, a first Grand Tour visit in this corner of the Balkans.
Rather cruelly, Christian Scaroni was fined for throwing his arms in the air as teammate Guillermo Silva crossed the line victorious on Stage 2.
The Giro’s visit to Bulgaria was short-lived, but showed off a new side of Europe to cycling audiences.
Ciccone’s childhood dream of wearing the pink jersey was made a reality for just one day after taking the lead on Stage 4.
The Giro’s usual rain was kept to a minimum this year, with showers featuring almost exclusively during the first week.
This Lidl-Trek rider stopped to watch the race replay on the big screen after Stage 6’s chaotic finish in Naples.
Vingegaard laid claim to his first Giro stage win atop Blockhaus on Stage 7.
There’s no better way to watch the Giro.
Eyes on the prize.
Mikkel Bjerg proves that there is no easy day on a Grand Tour.
Afonso Eulálio held onto the maglia rosa for nine days during this year’s race.
Larry Warbasse indulged in some screen time ahead of his time-trial on Stage 10.
The race reached northern Italy by the halfway marker.
Alec Segaert pulled off a lucky attack in the final 5km to win Stage 11 in style.
The European heatwave set in during week two, with temperatures reaching the 30s.
The Alps saw the GC separate ahead of the final week.
Vingegaard was comfortable in the mountains this year, having led the KOM standings for the majority of the Giro.
The mountain passes saw the Giro at its most passionate.
Vingegaard was in control of affairs throughout the race’s final week, which offered several chances ot the sprinters.
The Dolomites provided the perfect backdrop for a decisive 19th stage.
In colour order ahead of Stage 20’s double ascent of Piancavallo.
Vingegaard’s team bossed the final day in the mountains and sent him en route to a fifth and final stage win at this year’s Giro d’Italia.
Back to Rome for one final stage.
Mission accomplished.