Mathieu Van der Pol (Alpecin Phoenix) did not speak to the press at the finish line of stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia, but at least the Dutchman was aware that he had lost the day's decisive two-way sprint to Biniam Girmay (Intermarché Wanty= Gobert Materio), who seemed to recognize that he had been beaten fair and square.

In a punchy finale that bore a striking resemblance to the stage he won in 2021 on Tirreno-Adriatico, just a few kilometers from Jessi, Van der Pol and Alpecin Phoenix lived up to pre-stage expectations and set a furious pace on the short, intense final climb to Monzano.

However, Alpecin Phoenix's hard work paid off, isolating the leader in a group of about 40 riders.

Van der Pol accelerated several times in the downhill to win the race, but attacks by the GC favorites disrupted the Dutchman's situation, and it was Gil May who set up the finish sprint in the last kilometer. [But the Eritrean was able to use Domenico Pozzovivo in the leadout, and as a result had a little extra fuel to spare. For the second time in three days, Van der Pol was once again forced to concede defeat, and as a result, Girmay scored a historic victory.

Knowing that his chances of beating Gilmey were gone, Van der Pol sat up and crossed the line with a thumbs up to acknowledge his rival's superiority. Likewise, he gave Gilmey a big hug, congratulated him, and drove off.

As in Naples, Van der Pol did not speak to the media, but Alpecin Phoenix sporting director Christoph Rudofuto later told Italian television that he was "sorry."

"What happened was he lost to somebody. I think he did okay, but Gilmay had a teammate."

"Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do. We have to see how we run and ultimately if we can win the next stage."

Van der Pol's best chance this week will come in the hilly Genoa finale on Thursday, as the flat section to Reggio Emilia on Wednesday is likely to be handed over to the out-and-out sprinters.

The tough uphill in Turin on Saturday could also allow the Dutch all-rounder to shine. However, Turin's finishing circuit is extremely challenging, and there is a good chance that a GC skirmish will develop, as it did on Tuesday just before the final sprint with Gilmey. As for Alpecin Phoenix, they will be hoping that that skirmish in recent Giro history will not be repeated in four days. But for now, at least, Van der Poel will have to wait for another chance to come along.