Tarling steps up with first GT stage win

Ineos rider triumphs in the Giro's stage two time trial in Tirana, reports Chris Marshall-Bell in Albania

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Josh Tarling became the first Welshman to win a stage of the Giro d'Italia when he took the stage two time trial in the Albanian capital city of Tirana by less than one second.

Also doubling up as the Ineos Grenadiers rider's first ever Grand Tour victory, the 21-year-old accomplished what his compatriot Geraint Thomas never did in his successful career: win a stage of the Corsa Rosa. Thomas, who finished second and third on GC in the last two Giros, finished second in six different Giro stages between 2015 and 2023 - but never reached the top step of the podium.

“I rank it at the top [of his palmarès],” Tarling said. “This is my first Grand Tour stage win - it’s super.

Big step

“It hasn’t sunk in yet and I’m not sure it’s going to. It’s such a big step and it’s exciting for the rest of the Giro. It’s super special and now with the confidence I have I can look forward to the next one.”