Philippe Gilbert raced the Giro d’Italia four times over the course of his long career, claiming a total of three stage wins. The first came in 2009, during the penultimate stage from Naples to Anagni. The second was earned atop Monte Berico, at the end of the 190 km stage from Imola to Vicenza during the 2015 Giro. The iconic Vicenza hill, about a kilometer at 7%, was the perfect launchpad for a rider with the Belgian’s explosive characteristics, and sure enough, he conquered it with apparent ease.

The day of Vicenza 2015

That day’s stage was made even tougher by relentless rain, which caused crashes, caution, and a splintered peloton as the race entered Vicenza. Gilbert powered to victory ahead of the Maglia Rosa, Alberto Contador, and Diego Ulissi. The biggest loser of the day was Fabio Aru – Contador’s main rival – who lost 8 seconds plus bonus seconds, showing the first signs of weakness after having battled the Spaniard shoulder-to-shoulder through the first half of the race.

“I bonked in the final. It was my mistake and I paid for it. That’s all. It happens. In cycling, you never stop learning,” Aru said candidly after the finish. Contador, meanwhile, responded: “I saw Aru struggling and took advantage. I feel stronger with every stage, but the Giro is far from over”.

The next day, in what looked like a quiet transitional stage, Contador was caught in a crash and Aru briefly took over the Maglia Rosa – though only for 24 hours, surrendering it again in the Valdobbiadene time trial. Contador would go on to craft his masterpiece on the Mortirolo and Monte Ologno. Despite Aru’s stage wins in Cervinia and Sestriere after conquering the Colle delle Finestre, it wouldn’t be enough to complete the comeback. Contador secured his second Giro title, while Aru would stand on the Giro’s final podium for the last time.

As for Gilbert, his win in Vicenza was followed by one more triumph, this time in Verbania, via a long-range breakaway, capping off what would be his final appearance at the Giro d’Italia.