WAIS graduate Jai Hindley becomes first Australian to win the Giro d’Italia

WAIS graduate Jai Hindley has ridden himself in to the history books as the first Australian to win the Giro d’Italia.

“It’s really incredible man – I’m really proud to be Australian and happy to take this one home,” said Hindley.

The 26-year-old stamped his claim on the race on stage nine, when after being dropped twice he pounced to take the stage win and move to fifth overall. From here he didn’t look back and a second on stage 14 moved him to second overall to confirm his intent.

On the penultimate stage Hindley pounced on the final climb to Marmolada and distance race leader, Olympic Champion Richard Carapaz, taking the lead by nearly a minute and a half.

With the race lead ahead of the final stage time trial, Hindley was in the same place as two years ago, though this time with a much larger advantage. Hindley would not be denied this time as he stormed home in the final 17.4 kilometre race against the clock in Verona in what was a flawless race across Italy, to win by one minute and 18 seconds.

Hindley now joins Cadel Evans as the only Australian’s to have won a Grand Tour.

“To have won the Giro, that’s really incredible. I felt pretty good on the time trial bike today. When I heard the interval times, I knew I was doing well. I was pretty cautious going downhill, but then I gave it my all until the end,” said Hindley.

“Winning here is a wonderful feeling and I have so many emotions. In the back of my mind, of course, I was still thinking about what happened in 2020 at the Giro and to be honest, I didn’t want that to happen again.

“Last year was very difficult and I fought really hard to be here again. But I didn’t know I would be fighting for the win here. Two days ago I heard that my parents were coming here, and I haven’t seen them since early 2020, so today was very special. I’m proud to be Australian and I’m happy to take home this trophy.”