Giro d'Italia: Plapp Wins Stage 8, Ulissi Takes Overall Lead

Luke Plapp wins stage 8 of the Giro d'Italia with a solo ride, while Diego Ulissi takes the pink jersey, ending an 86-stage drought for Italian leaders.

Luke Plapp claimed his first Grand Tour stage win with a dominant solo performance on stage eight of the Giro d'Italia. He attacked on the Montelago climb with 100km to go and rode solo to victory, crossing the line with a significant margin.

The stage win paved the way for Diego Ulissi to take the pink jersey, becoming the first Italian to do so in four years. Ulissi's jersey change was a result of the day's breakaway and time gaps created on the challenging stage.

LUKE PLAPP IS A GRAND TOUR STAGE WINNER! 🥳

A huge ride from the Jayco AlUla rider sees him claim his maiden win in a three week race 💪 pic.twitter.com/A8D2tGehml

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) May 17, 2025

Luke Plapp crossed the finish line with a commanding lead, still glancing cautiously over his shoulder. As he raised his hands to his head in disbelief, the magnitude of his achievement sunk in. “It's pretty crazy, I still can't believe it, to be honest,” Plapp said. “I feel like it's been a long time coming.”

Reflecting on his journey, Plapp added, “Last year I got so close to the Giro so many times. And for today to happen is so, so special.” His words captured the emotions of a hard-fought victory.

Wilco Kelderman of Visma-Lease a Bike finished second, 38 seconds behind Plapp, while the rider that came third might have been another competitor. However Diego Ulissi took the pink jersey from Primoz Roglic after the stage, and the Italian let out a triumphant scream when he learned he'd taken the lead.

Luke Plapp takes quick drink from the moto as he leads the way in Stage 8 of the Giro d'Italia 🥤 pic.twitter.com/Fdl4TQIgu2

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) May 17, 2025

Diego Ulissi became the first Italian to wear the pink jersey since Alessandro De Marchi in 2021, ending an 86-stage drought. He holds a 12-second lead over teammate Lorenzo Fortunato, while former leader Primoz Roglic trails 17 seconds behind.

Earlier, Luke Plapp had launched a decisive attack 45km from the finish, accelerating away from the peloton on the Montelago climb to ride solo to victory.

Luke Plapp took the lead after accumulating maximum points for the blue jersey, boasting a minute's lead over the chasers and over five minutes on the peloton with 20km to go. He maintained his pace, conquering the Gagliole climb and holding his advantage on the descent.

”I knew I couldn't beat any of them in a sprint, so I knew I had to go at some stage pretty early,” Plapp explained. “I think the way the racing's been going this year, the long moves have been really, really successful.” His strategy paid off, securing a solo victory.

“The first one to make a move, I think, always has an advantage. I just thought I'd give it a crack. And to be honest, I just wanted a bit of a head start on the descent as well.”