It’s not every day that the Giro d’Italia comes to Hungary.
In fact it never has, until this year of course.
And the city of Budapest rolled out a veritable red carpet as the riders raced through the streets of the city from Hero’s Square, past the magnificent Houses of Parliament and up Castle Hill.
Showing off many of the city’s landmarks, it is easy to understand why this city is sometimes called the ‘Paris of Central Europe’.
The racing was equally stunning as British rider Simon Yates rode the best time trial of his life to score an impressive win, while Dutch star Mathieu van der Poel pulled off an equally impressive performance, finishing three seconds back, to hold on to his distinctive pink leader’s jersey.
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) defends his Giro d’Italia lead.
Alex Dowsett blasted his way past the Houses of Parliament, posting the fastest time for much of the day
The Hungarian nation TT champion Erik Fetter rolls past typical Hungarian architecture in the early stages of the trial.
The crowds packed historic Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and the Houses of Parliament.
Local fans cheered the riders on all day long.
Fans packed the entire climb up Castle Hill, sometimes screaming to deafening pitches
At least the riders had an open road, as it was hard to move along the sidelines.
A picnic atmosphere reigned on the wide turn of Castle Hill.
And plenty of beer was drunk!
Dutch time trial champion Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) turned up the pressure, posting the best time of the favorites.
But it didn’t last long as Simon Yates was fast on his heels.
And while Yates appeared unbeatable, Mathieu van der Poel was inspired to defend the maglia rosa that he won on the opening stage, finishing only three seconds down.
And the fans went crazy!
Simon Yates savors a huge victory.
Mathieu van der Poel had plenty to celebrate.
Mathieu van der Poel enjoys another day in the maglia rosa.
And this little fan was simply not ready to go home.