Jay Vine focuses on stage 10, skips GC at Giro d'Italia

Jay Vine announced he won't be targeting a general classification (GC) finish at this year's Giro d'Italia, despite UAE Team Emirates-XRG not fielding their originally planned leader, João Almeida. The Australian has been discussed as a potential contender for three-week races due to his climbing ability, having won four stages at the Vuelta a España in his career, and his time trial performance that led him to finish second behind Remco Evenepoel at the last UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. However, he has not achieved significant results in Grand Tours, with seven three-week race appearances resulting in three DNFs and his best GC standing being 30th after 21 stages.

Vine explained that crash misfortunes and an approach focusing on stage wins have curtailed his GC aspirations in the past. As the Giro kicks off in Bulgaria this Friday, he reiterated, "I don't think that's something that I'll be doing at this race," referring to any ambitions for the overall ranking, indicating that Adam Yates will serve as the team’s primary leader in Almeida's absence.

Additionally, Vine acknowledged disappointment over Almeida's withdrawal, believing he had a strong chance to perform well. Still, he noted, "It's more opportunities for the team. I don't think it's going to change our plans much; we'll see what happens."

Vine has endured a challenging stop-start season in 2026, beginning with a national time trial title and a GC victory at the Tour Down Under in January. Unfortunately, a fractured scaphoid from a peculiar crash involving a kangaroo during the race's final stage sidelined him for an extended period. He resumed competition at the Volta a Catalunya in March but faced further setbacks, including a crash on the third stage, leading to another rehab period for his wrist before gearing up for the Giro in the Sierra Nevada. On April 18, Vine shared on Instagram that he had been "busy juggling training, rehab appointments, and family time" but was optimistic as the Giro approached, stating, "everything’s moving in the right direction."