"I would really like to thank Julian Alaphilippe who did a big pull just for me when he was already dead" - Ewen Costiou scores first top 10 result in a Grand tour
Cycling
Ewen Costiou finished in 9th place in the sixteenth stage of the Giro d'Italia this Tuesday, which is currently his best result in a Grand tour. The Frenchman was on the offensive in the final of Tuesday's shortened stage, attacking from the peloton on the Passo Pinei.
In the company of Giulio Pellizzari and Cristian Scaroni, the Arkéa - B&B Hotels rider caught up to Julian Alaphilippe who's been cruising throw the screens of rain up front alone for a good few kilometers by that point. Obviously it was not possible for Costiou's experienced compatriot to keep up with the young guns when the group reached 12% slopes of Monte Pana.
Alaphilippe then helped his young compatriot by taking a big pull before parking himself under the final ramp, a gesture appreciated by Costiou at the microphone of Eurosport: "I would really like to thank Julian Alaphilippe who did a big pull just for me when he was already dead. He's a huge champion, it's great he has done that, he didn't have to."
The Arkéa - B&B Hotels rider also looked back on his stage: "It was a really tough day, it never stopped raining and the finish was chaotic. I had good legs, I really believed in it when we had a one minute lead, but we didn't really get along with the Italians," he tells about the cooperation of the leading trio.
"In the end, it didn't go to the end but I made a top 10, it shows that the legs are there. I reached a level that I've never had before, I discover myself more and more especially in the third week, it's my first Grand Tour I hope that there will be other great results at the finish but it's already great and bodes well for the future."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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