Chaos on the Cozzo Tunno: Pink Jersey in Peril as Movistar Decimates Peloton in Giro Stage 4
The Giro d’Italia returned to Italian soil on May 12, 2026, for Stage 4, but the transition from Catanzaro to Cosenza proved to be a day of absolute carnage for the race favorites and sprinters alike. In a brutal display of strength, Movistar seized control of the race on the day’s decisive climb, leaving the current race leader struggling to survive.
The focal point of the 138-kilometer route was the Cozzo Tunno, a grueling 14-kilometer ascent averaging 5.9%. Movistar unleashed a blistering pace that effectively shattered the peloton, thinning the lead group down to just 40 riders by the time they reached the summit. The relentless tempo claimed high-profile victims, most notably the man in the pink jersey, Guillermo Silva. Silva lost contact with the leaders during the ascent, appearing almost certain to lose his lead in the general classification.
The ascent was equally devastating for the race’s speedsters. Sprinters Dylan Groenewegen and Paul Magnier were among those who lost significant time or were cut off during the climb. This further depletes a sprint field already weakened by the early departure of Kaden Groves, who was forced to abandon the race following a crash in the opening stage.
Even the heavy hitters of the GC battle felt the pressure. Egan Bernal struggled significantly, hanging at the extremely back of the group, though he is currently counting on teammate Turner to help him bridge the gap during the descent. The pace was simply too high for others as well; Ganna and Zambanini were dropped, and Tobias Lund Andresen hit a metaphorical wall, failing to maintain the form he showed during the opening weekend.
While the favorites fought for survival, Nelson Oliveira managed to secure the mountain points at the top of the Cozzo Tunno. Earlier in the day, a six-man breakaway—comprising Darren Rafferty, Niklas Larsen, Martin Marcellusi, Johan Jacobs, Warren Barguil, and Mattia Bais—attempted to escape. Rafferty has remained the most dangerous of the group, holding a narrow 10-second lead.
The drama of the day adds to a challenging start for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. The team is already operating without Wilco Kelderman, who was forced to withdraw after a crash in the second stage. This loss leaves Jonas Vingegaard without a critical domestique as the race enters its most volatile phase.
With the peloton fractured and the Maglia Rosa in crisis, the final stretch into Cosenza promises a chaotic scramble for the stage win and a potential change in leadership for the 2026 Giro.
