“I can be proud of my result” – Gianmarco Garofoli emotional after monster effort on stage 15

Stage 15 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia delivered fireworks on the legendary slopes of Monte Grappa, and for Gianmarco Garofoli, it was a breakout performance that brought some much needed optimism to Soudal – Quick-Step’s campaign.

On the slopes of Dori, the last ascent of the day, Garofoli launched a pursuit of stage leader Carlos Verona (Lidl-Trek). Though unable to close the final metres, he pressed on with Filippo Zana (Jayco-AlUla), who bridged across from behind. The pair gave everything in the chase, even as the remnants of the earlier breakaway rejoined them in the final kilometres.

Garofoli, however, still had something left in the tank. With the GC group storming in behind, he squeezed out one final effort to cross the line in seventh place, just 26 seconds behind Verona, and moments ahead of the charging favourites.

It was a much-needed boost for Soudal – Quick-Step, whose Giro hopes were dealt an early blow when team leader Mikel Landa crashed out on Stage 1. Garofoli’s ride was not just impressive, but inspiring.

“The plan was to try to go in the breakaway and see how things go there, which I managed despite it not being an easy task,” he said in a team press release. “I didn’t feel quite well these days, because of the two broken ribs that I have, but I did my best today."

"On Monte Grappa, I actually felt good, but I struggled on the last ascent, which I found to be more difficult. It was a brutal stage, with a fast tempo from the beginning, and I gave my best. Considering everything, I can be proud of my result.”