After 8 Giro stage wins Diego Ulissi finally gets to live childhood dream in Maglia Rosa: "An indescribable feeling"

Stage 8 of the 2025 Giro d'Italia was one that created many stories and threads to follow. Amidst Luke Plapp's stunning solo however, it was arguably the fight for the Maglia Rosa that captivated most as the XDS Astana Team fought on two fronts to snatch the race lead from Primoz Roglic.

For much of the day, it looked as if Lorenzo Fortunato was best placed to end the day in pink. But as the momentum in the breakaway see-sawed, it ended up being the experienced, eight-time Giro d'Italia stage winner Diego Ulissi who finally managed to get his hands on the Maglia Rosa at 35 years of age.

"Truly an immense emotion. When they told me, I felt an incredible joy. Then, when I saw the Maglia Rosa, just before putting it on, I remembered watching the Giro d’Italia as a child," reflected an emotional Ulissi in his post-stage interview afterwards. "I’ve already experienced great emotions and satisfaction by winning eight stages. It’s been a dream since I started cycling at the age of six. I’ve already achieved so much in my career. Now, to wear the Maglia Rosa — even if only for a day, because tomorrow will be a very difficult stage — and to arrive in Tuscany with this jersey, it’s an indescribable feeling."

"We had planned for me to get into the breakaway and try to go for the stage win. The team wanted me to be the one to attack," he assesses the stage. "Today, Plapp was really in great shape — he was stronger — but I gave it everything I had. In the finale, knowing I had a chance, I pushed through the fatigue and gave it my all. And I did it."

As mentioned, keeping a hold on the jersey will be difficult for Ulissi, with stage 9 posing as a 'mini Strade Bianche', but for now, it's time to just enjoy for the moment for the Italian veteran. "The goal now is to keep the jersey, but that will be very difficult. When you have the Maglia Rosa on your shoulders, you have to give everything. That’s what I’ll do. Whatever happens, happens," concludes Ulissi.