Portuguese cyclist Afonso Eulalio of Bahrain Victorious retained the Conad white jersey following Stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia, a challenging 157-kilometre route from Voghera to Milan. The stage, held on May 26, 2026, tested riders with unexpected difficulty, despite initial expectations of a relatively easy day.
Eulalio's Tough Day in the Saddle
Eulalio expressed his relief and surprise after the stage, stating, "It's always nice to retain the jersey, but today didn't feel that good. I thought it was going to be a fairly easy day, but it actually turned out to be super tough." The Portuguese rider's perseverance paid off as he maintained his lead in the young riders classification.
Conad's Community Celebration in Milan
The stage finish in Milan was marked by a celebratory atmosphere, as the city also hosted the fifth stage of "Il Grande Giro Conad," an initiative organized by one of the race's main sponsors. This event allowed Conad to engage with local communities, reinforcing the cooperative's commitment to social values and community spirit.
Voices from Conad Leadership
Giuseppe Zuliani, Conad's Communications Director, emphasized the significance of the Giro beyond the race itself. "The Giro is not just a race — it's also a celebration that brings people together; it's about community. For us, being part of the community and helping foster positive values through messages like these is fundamental. We also believe this edition has been one in which the young riders we sponsored have really taken centre stage," he said.
Rosanna Cattini, Vice President of Conad Centro Nord, added, "For us, sponsoring the Giro d'Italia is an honour. It is one of the country's most important and widely followed sporting events. It is not only a moment of celebration, but also a way to strengthen the relationship we have with local communities. Above all, it delivers relational value." She highlighted the economic and relational returns the Giro generates for the cooperative.
Maurizio Comi, also Vice President of Conad Centro Nord, concluded, "Many important messages can come from taking part in such a major event. There is certainly also the pride of being part of such a historic experience while, at the same time, one that has managed to innovate, like the Giro d'Italia. It is a source of pride for our more than 350 members and their 7,000 employees."
Looking Ahead
As the Giro d'Italia continues, Eulalio's white jersey retention marks a significant milestone for the young Portuguese rider. The race remains a showcase of endurance and community engagement, with Conad's sponsorship underscoring the event's broader social impact.
