First winner of Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai crowned at EXPO 2020

Peter Sagan won the inaugural Giro d’Italia Criterium in Dubai, triumphing in a two-up sprint against 2021 Giro champion Egan Bernal.

The duo went clear with just over a kilometre to go on the final lap of the 63km event, powering away from their breakaway companions Marc Hirschi of the UAE-Team Emirates and Geoffrey Bouchard of AG2R Citroën.

Speaking after his victory, Sagan told reporters: “I’m very happy that I could be here, and this is a special race for all of us from the Giro d’Italia. I think we had the best riders from this year’s Giro. This short criterium is a special thing.”

Peter Sagan wins the Giro d'Italia Criterium at Expo 2020 Dubai | @petosagan ha vinto il Giro d'Italia Criterium --> https://t.co/qnopyqJyYv#Giro #GirodItaliaCriterium #madeinitaly
@expo2020dubai @DubaiSC @AbuDhabiSC @ITAtradeagency pic.twitter.com/g9LoutMFea

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) November 6, 2021

The event was held at EXPO 2020 Dubai, which marks the first time that the event has been held outside Europe.

The race was 30 laps held on a 2.1-kilometre circuit, with the course forming the shape of the Giro d’Italia’s ‘Amore Infinito’ symbol, which was the inspiration behind the trophy of the Italian Grand Tour.