The 2002 Giro d’Italia was the 85th edition of this prestigious Italian cycling race. It took place from May 11th to June 2nd, 2002.
Overall Winner: Paolo Savoldelli of Italy, riding for the Index Alexia team, emerged as the overall winner. This victory marked Savoldelli’s first Grand Tour win.
Stages: The race consisted of 21 stages, covering a total distance of around 3,334 kilometers (2,071 miles). The stages included flat stages, mountain stages, individual time trials, and team time trials.
General Classification Contenders: Paolo Savoldelli faced tough competition from riders like Tyler Hamilton, who finished second overall, and Pietro Caucchioli, who finished third.
Overall, the 2002 Giro d’Italia provided thrilling racing action, with Paolo Savoldelli emerging as the worthy winner after three weeks of intense competition across Italy’s stunning landscapes.
Jersey Winners – 2002 Giro d’Italia
Maglia Rosa (Pink Jersey): The Maglia Rosa is awarded to the rider leading the general classification, or the overall standings. Paolo Savoldelli of Italy won the Maglia Rosa as the overall winner of the race.
Maglia Ciclamino (Cyclamen Jersey): The Maglia Ciclamino is awarded to the rider leading the points classification, which rewards consistent high finishes and stage wins. In 2002, the Maglia Ciclamino was won by Mario Cipollini of Italy, who was dominant in the sprint stages.
Maglia Verde (Green Jersey): The Maglia Verde is awarded to the rider leading the mountains classification, which rewards climbing ability. The winner of the Maglia Verde in 2002 was Julio Alberto Pérez of Mexico.
These jerseys represent different aspects of cycling prowess and are highly coveted by riders participating in the Giro d’Italia.
Overall Ranking – 2002 Giro d’Italia
- Paolo Savoldelli (Italy) – Index Alexia
- Tyler Hamilton (United States) – Team CSC Tiscali
- Pietro Caucchioli (Italy) – Alessio
- Juan Manuel Gárate (Spain) – Lampre-Daikin
- Pavel Tonkov (Russia) – Lampre-Daikin
- Aitor Gonzalez (Spain) – Kelme-Costa Blanca
- Georg Totschnig (Austria) – Gerolsteiner
- Fernando Escartín (Spain) – Team Coast
- Rik Verbrugghe (Belgium) – Lotto–Adecco
- Dario Frigo (Italy) – Tacconi Sport-Emmegi
These riders showcased exceptional skill and endurance throughout the race, competing fiercely across various terrains to earn their positions in the top 10 of the general classification.
Click here to remember who the winners of the 2003 Giro d’Italia were.