Here’s what happened on Friday:

• Cold temperatures, rain-slick roads, several crashes.
• UAE Team Emirates placed first and second on the stage, with Juan Ayuso outperforming his rivals on the final climb. His teammate Isaac Del Toro crossed just five seconds later. Team MVP Rafal Majka pushed the peloton to its limit on the first major climb, setting Ayuso and Del Toro up for success. Job well done!
• Despite a disappointing 4^th-place finish, Primoz Roglic managed to take the Maglia Rosa by five seconds, overall. His team seemed in disarray on the final climb, though. Roglic rode most of it alone, jockeying for favorable position in the pack. Trouble ahead?
• UAE also have American Brandon McNulty in 7^th place overall, 34 seconds behind; and Adam Yates in 15^th. Would love to eavesdrop on their plans for tomorrow!
• Simon Yates of Vizma – Leasabike and Richard Carapaz of EF Education rounded out the top ten in the GC.

As you can see from the profile map below, Saturday brings no relief to the riders: it will be another long day of climbing, with many opportunities to attack. The competition for the Maglia Rosa has well and truly begun!

Spectator Sipping Recommendation – Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi

Verdicchio is a white grape closely affiliated with the Marche region, where Stage 9 will conclude. It has been grown in this area for centuries, and is genetically linked to Trebbiano di Soave, Trebbiano di Lugana, and Trebbiano Valtenesi.

There are two main areas of production: Castelli di Jesi, whose coastal vineyards enjoy the salty breezes of the Adriatic Sea; and Matelica, which lies in the higher elevations to the west. I find that Matelica wines have a more savory, mineral character whereas Castelli di Jesi wines show more citrus and orchard character. Both make wonderful partners with food!

About Brunori San Nicolò Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

In 1956, Giorgio Brunori swam against the tide of other winemakers in Ancona Province: rather than sell to the local co-operative, he decided his wines deserved more, opting to bottle them himself at the winery. Now the enterprise is in the hands of his grandchildren, Carlo and Cristina, who run the estate.

This wine is pale lemon in the glass, with a slight green edge. Just after pouring, the aromas are of apple and pear, with a bit of white peach and lemon zest. Let it open a while, and you’ll pick up lovely notes of fennel and mint. On the palate, it is fresh and clean, with tangy acidity. Flavors reflect the nose and culminate in a long finish of ripe green pear, fennel, and almond.

I love to pair this wine with vegetable dishes! That means I drink it all summer long, indulging my cravings for the local produce arriving at the market. A salad of fresh shaved fennel, orange, and thinly sliced red onion in an orange vinaigrette would be heavenly.

A while back, I served this Verdicchio with a dish I’d loved at a NYC restaurant (Vic’s) and reverse-engineered at home: Roasted sunchokes with pistachio yogurt and mint oil. A wonderful combination of flavors that showcase the beauty of the wine.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop at your local farmers’ market and buy some fresh veggies. Then grab a bottle of Verdicchio from either Marche region, sit back and enjoy Saturday’s race. It’s sure to be an exciting stage – and a delicious one!