UAE – XRG enhances points at Giro d’Italia 2026

May 25, 2026 / 9:21 PM

Sharjah 24: UAE Team Emirates–XRG continued their strong showing at the 2026 Giro d’Italia, as the second week of racing concluded yesterday, highlighted by Ecuadorian rider Jonathan Narváez securing his third stage victory and briefly taking the points classification jersey, the Maglia Ciclamino.

Strong performances

The team enjoyed consistent visibility throughout the week. Danish rider Mikkel Bjerg delivered an impressive performance in the 42-kilometre individual time trial, finishing eighth, while Italy’s Filippo Ganna claimed the stage win.

One of the defining moments came in Stage 11, when Narváez joined an early breakaway more than 80 kilometres from the finish. He engaged in a tactical battle with Spain’s Enric Mas before sprinting to victory in the final metres, sealing his third win of the race.

Tactical racing and stage wins

UAE Team Emirates–XRG maintained their aggressive approach in stage thirteen, with Bjerg once again part of the breakaway group, finishing seventh on the day.

In stage fourteen, Narváez accumulated enough points to seize the Maglia Ciclamino, despite Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard taking the stage win and moving into the overall race lead.

However, in stage fifteen, Narváez relinquished the points classification lead to France’s Paul Magnier after a tight contest in the intermediate sprints. Norway’s Fredrik Dversnes, riding for Uno-X Mobility, went on to claim the stage victory after the breakaway held off the peloton.

Looking ahead to the final week

UAE Team Emirates–XRG now head into the final week of the Giro d’Italia with high ambitions, aiming to secure further stage wins and remain in contention for the points classification as the decisive mountain stages approach. The race will finish in Rome, where officials will establish the final general classification and the pivotal jerseys.