1996 Giro d'Italia#Points classification

{{main list|List of teams and cyclists in the 1996 Giro d'Italia}}

Eighteen teams were invited by the race organizers to participate in the 1996 edition of the Giro d'Italia. Each team sent a squad of nine riders, which meant that the race started with a peloton of 162 cyclists. From the riders that began the race, 98 made it to the finish in Milan.{{cite web |url=http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/giro96/stage22.html |title=Stage 22 Brief |website=Cycling News|date=1996-06-09 |access-date=2012-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015000702/http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/giro96/stage22.html |archive-date=15 October 2015 |url-status=live }}

The teams entering the race were:{{cite web |url=http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/giro96/giroteams.html |title=Start List for Giro d'Italia |website=Cycling News|access-date=2012-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621171331/http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/giro96/giroteams.html |archive-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=live }}

The starting peloton did not feature the 1995 winner, Tony Rominger.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/18/deportes/832370419_850215.html|title=Los enemigos de Olano|newspaper= El País|author=Carlos Arribas|trans-title=The enemies of Olano|language=es|date=18 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507195654/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/18/deportes/832370419_850215.html|archive-date=7 May 2015|url-status=live}} The three main contenders named by the media included: Evgeni Berzin, Abraham Olano, Pavel Tonkov.{{cite news|url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/112863/files/1996-05-18.pdf|title=Pour hommes forts|trans-title=For strong men|language=fr|work=L'Impartial|date=18 May 1994|page=14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027162340/http://doc.rero.ch/record/112863/files/1996-05-18.pdf|archive-date=27 October 2019|via=RERO}}{{cite news|url=http://streaming.ajgirona.org/pandora/cgi-bin/Pandora.exe?xslt=show_pdf;publication=Punt,%20El;sort_publication=punt.el;day=18;month=05;year=1996;page=027;id=0000829860;filename=19960518;collection=pages;url_high=pages/Punt,%20El/1996/199605/19960518/19960518027.pdf;lang=en;pdf_parameters=search=%22giro%20d%27italia%22&view=FitH;encoding=utf-8|title=Abraham Olano afronta en el Giro la seva primera gran Yolta com a favorit|author=LLuis Simon|language=ca|date=18 May 1996|page=21|newspaper=El Punt|publisher=Hermes Comunicacions S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Abraham Olano faces in the Giro his first major Yolta as favorite|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092650/http://streaming.ajgirona.org/pandora/cgi-bin/Pandora.exe?xslt=show_pdf%3Bpublication%3DPunt%2C%20El%3Bsort_publication%3Dpunt.el%3Bday%3D18%3Bmonth%3D05%3Byear%3D1996%3Bpage%3D027%3Bid%3D0000829860%3Bfilename%3D19960518%3Bcollection%3Dpages%3Burl_high%3Dpages%2FPunt%2C%20El%2F1996%2F199605%2F19960518%2F19960518027.pdf%3Blang%3Den%3Bpdf_parameters%3Dsearch%3D%22giro%20d%27italia%22&view=FitH%3Bencoding%3Dutf-8|url-status=live}} El País's Carlos Arribas felt Olano was a contender, but questioned his ability as an elite rider. Doctor Michele Ferrari named Evgeni Berzin, Olano, and Pavel Tonkov in order of the chance of winning the race. According to Arribas, Berzin was not in great form coming into the race, but his team doctor, Gianni Mazzoni, believed he could regain the form that helped him win the Giro in 1994. Berzin also had a fully committed team to support him this year, unlike in the previous edition where he and his teammate Piotr Ugrumov did not cooperate and worked against each other.{{cite web |url=http://www.bikeraceinfo.com/giro/giro1995.html |title=1995 Giro d'Italia |author=Bill and Carol McGann |work=Bike Race Info |publisher=Dog Ear Publishing |access-date=2012-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223034145/http://bikeraceinfo.com/giro/giro1995.html |archive-date=23 February 2014 |url-status=live }} Lluis Simon of El Punt felt Olano had performed better than Berzin in the recent Tour de Romandie.

Simon believed that with the absence of Marco Pantani due to a crash at Milano–Torino, the Italian with the best chance to win was Francesco Casagrande. It was thought that the route was designed to allow Pantani a good chance to win. Due to the large amount of mountains in the final week, Swiss Pascal Richard was thought to have a chance for a high ranking in the general classification. Latvian Piotr Ugrumov (Roslotto–ZG Mobili), at age 35, was thought to have a good chance for victory and potentially one of his last good chances to win a Grand Tour. Young Ukrainian Alexander Gontchenkov showed great potential during the early season and many thought he could be a rider to place high in the general classification. Two-time champion Miguel Induráin and Laurent Jalabert did not participate in the race.

File:View of Athens from Lycabettus.jpg hosted the start and finish of the first stage, while the race stayed in Greece for another two days before transferring into Italy.|alt=The cityscape of a city.]]

On 12 May 1995, Athens was announced as the host of the start of the 1996 Giro d'Italia in order to honor the centennial edition of the Modern Olympics.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1995/05/13/deportes/800316007_850215.html|title=La imagen del ciclismo español sin Induráin|newspaper= El País|author=Carlos Arribas|trans-title=The image of Spanish cycling without Indurain|language=es|date=13 May 1995|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507184147/http://elpais.com/diario/1995/05/13/deportes/800316007_850215.html|archive-date=7 May 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.unita.it/cgi-bin/highlightPdf.cgi?t=ebook&file=/archivio/uni_1995_05/19950513_0039.pdf |title=Ore 12: parte il Giro L'Italia sale in bici |language=it |date=13 May 1995 |page=39 |author=Dario Ceccarelli |newspaper=l'Unità |publisher=PCI |access-date=22 June 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=12: the Giro Italy up by bike |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507193747/http://archiviostorico.unita.it/cgi-bin/highlightPdf.cgi?t=ebook&file=%2Farchivio%2Funi_1995_05%2F19950513_0039.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/19/deportes/832456821_850215.html|title=El italiano Martinello se viste de rosa en una etapa con numerosas caídas|newspaper= El País|author=Paolo Viberti|trans-title=The Italian Martinello pink dress on a stage with numerous falls|language=es|date=19 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507185836/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/19/deportes/832456821_850215.html|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} The complete race route was unveiled by race director Carmine Castellano on 11 November 1995 in Milan.{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1995/11/12/MD19951112-035.pdf |title=Dureza final y ausencias |language=es |date=12 November 1995 |page=35 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=Final hardness and absences |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083906/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1995/11/12/MD19951112-035.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }} It contained one time trial event, an individual one. There were ten stages containing high mountains, of which four had summit finishes: stage 7, to Massiccio del Sirino;{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/25/MD19960525-031.pdf |title=La rebelión de los modestos |language=es |date=25 May 1996 |page=31 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=Rise of the modest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083921/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/25/MD19960525-031.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }} stage 13, to Prato Nevoso;{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/31/MD19960531-045.pdf |title=Olano: la hora de la verdad |language=es |date=31 May 1996 |page=45 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=Olano: the moment of truth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083914/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/31/MD19960531-045.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }} stage 20, to Passo Pordoi;{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/07/MD19960607-042.pdf |title=Olano, por un segundo |language=es |date=7 June 1996 |page=42 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=Olano, for a second |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083927/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/07/MD19960607-042.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }} and stage 21, to Aprica.{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/08/MD19960608-032.pdf |title=La última agonía en un escenario para la épica |language=es |date=8 June 1996 |page=32 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=The last agony on stage for the epic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083900/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/08/MD19960608-032.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=live }} The organizers chose to include one rest day. When compared to the previous year's race, the race was {{convert|254|km|0|abbr=on}} longer, contained two fewer individual time trials, and the same number of stages.

The opening stage (known as the Grande Partenza) started in Athens, Greece, and the race stayed on Greek soil for three stages as it made its way to north-west Ioannina.{{cite news|url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/112863/files/1996-05-18.pdf|title=Une arrivée a Lausanne|trans-title=Arrival in Lausanne|language=fr|work=L'Impartial|date=18 May 1994|page=14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027162340/http://doc.rero.ch/record/112863/files/1996-05-18.pdf|archive-date=27 October 2019|via=RERO}}{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/18/MD19960518-032.pdf |title=Las 22 Etapas |language=es |date=18 May 1996 |page=32 |publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A. |access-date=27 May 2012 |format=PDF |trans-title=The 22 Stages |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603063724/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/18/MD19960518-032.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=live }} The race then transferred to Ostuni located in southern Italy and the race gradually moved north. The sixth and seventh stages included a couple higher categorized climbs from the Apennines. The race continued to move north and enter the Alps starting in stage 13. The race's fourteenth stage finished in the French city of Briançon, which also served as the start for the next stage. Stage 14 included the climbing of the Col d'Izoard and the Col de la Madeleine, which was viewed as a key stage in the general classification race. After returning to Italian soil, stage 16 came to an end in the Swiss city of Lausanne, which also was the start for the seventeenth stage. The race traveled back east across Italy and going north into the Dolomites and heading west and turning south to reach the finish in Milan. In total, there were seven stages that start or finished outside Italy.

The 1996 route saw a decrease in the number of kilometers that were dedicated to time trials and the removal of the climbing time trial that had been a staple in years past. Lluis Simon of El Punt felt that the penultimate stage that crossed Mendola, Tonale Pass, Gavia Pass, Mortirolo, and Aprica would be the hardest of the race. Paolo Viberti, a writer for El País, believed that the race would be decided by the final week when the race entered the Alps and the lengthy individual time trial.

File:Pascal.HERVE.jpg (pictured in 2000) gained enough time during the event's sixth stage to take the race lead, although he lost it following the next stage.|alt=A person smiling for the camera.]]

The first three stages took place in Greece, with several crashes on the opening stage due to the poor road conditions and encroachment from cars that resulted in the abandonment of a few riders.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/20/deportes/832543246_850215.html|title=El pelotón atraiviesa Grecia con calma|newspaper= El País|author=Paolo Viberti|trans-title=The peloton atraiviesa calmly Greece|language=es|date=20 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028031506/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/20/deportes/832543246_850215.html|archive-date=28 October 2015|url-status=live}} The day's breakaway obtained a maximum advantage of two minutes over the peloton, before being caught with {{convert|30|km|0|abbr=on}} left. Following an unsuccessful solo-attack by Serguei Outschakov, the stage culminated with a bunch sprint taken by {{UCI team code|SAE|1996}}'s Silvio Martinello. The riders protested the conditions they were subjected to on the first stage by riding the second stage at a significantly slower pace than usual. The stage ended with a bunch sprint, won by Glenn Magnusson, that was limited in terms of organization for each team because of the narrowness of the roads. The third stage ended in the same fashion, with Giovanni Lombardi winning the day, while the race lead moved to Stefano Zanini because of time bonuses he earned for finishing high in the stage.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/21/deportes/832629615_850215.html|title=Zanini, nuevo líder del Giro|newspaper= El País|author=Paolo Viberti|trans-title=Zanini, new leader of the Giro|language=es|date=21 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107064452/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/21/deportes/832629615_850215.html|archive-date=7 November 2015|url-status=live}}

A rest day allowed the race to return to Italy by ferry – however, news leaked that the Carabinieri would search teams upon arrival in Italy for drugs (specifically, EPO). To avoid being caught, some teams returned to Italy by driving through the Balkans, and other teams "dumped their drugs over the side of the ferry".{{Cite web |last=Ostanek |first=Dani |date=2020-05-12 |title=A history of foreign starts at the Giro d'Italia |url=https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/a-history-of-foreign-starts-at-the-giro-ditalia/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=cyclingnews.com |language=en |quote=After the challenges of Greece, there would be another awaiting the teams as they got back to Italy, though. Florence police had discovered that a Tuscan pharmacy was selling large quantities of EPO to pro cyclists, and so travelled down to Brindisi to search team cars as they disembarked the ferry. However, CONI officials had informed teams of the carabinieri's plans, and a story was printed in La Gazzetta, too. Team cars then took the long way around, driving through the Balkans and entering Italy from the north, while others dumped their drugs over the side of the ferry.}}

During the fourth stage, several breakaways formed and were caught, with the final one being caught with under a kilometer remaining.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/23/deportes/832802415_850215.html|title=Primera victoria al 'sprint' de Mario Cipollini|newspaper= El País|author=Paolo Viberti|trans-title=First win the sprint Mario Cipollini|language=es|date=23 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708085630/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/23/deportes/832802415_850215.html|archive-date=8 July 2014|url-status=live}} Saeco took control of the peloton and successfully conducted a lead out for their sprinter Mario Cipollini who claimed victory. In addition, Martinello regained the race lead and with it, the race leader's maglia rosa ({{langx|en|pink jersey}}). Ángel Edo of {{UCI team code|KEL|1996}} team won his first sprint victory since the 1994 season on stage five.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/24/deportes/832888806_850215.html|title=Victoria al 'sprint' del español Ángel Edo|newspaper= El País|author=Paolo Viberti|trans-title=Victoria to sprint the Spanish Ángel Edo|language=es|date=24 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012}} The sixth leg of the race was the first to feature several higher categorized climbs.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/25/deportes/832975221_850215.html|title=Hervé encabeza la primera criba|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Hervé leads first screening|language=es|date=25 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030054757/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/25/deportes/832975221_850215.html|archive-date=30 October 2015|url-status=live}} {{UCI team code|FES|1996}}'s Pascal Hervé won the stage by a margin of four seconds and moved into the first place in the general classification. The seventh day of racing featured the first summit finish, to Massiccio del Sirino. Latvian Piotr Ugrumov attacked with seven kilometers to go and was able to distance himself from a group of contenders that included Abraham Olano, Hervé, Pavel Tonkov, and Davide Rebellin.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/26/deportes/833061630_850215.html|title=Ugrumov abre las hostilidades|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Ugrumov opens hostilities|language=es|date=26 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508184515/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/26/deportes/833061630_850215.html|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live}} Berzin made a move to follow with five kilometers remaining, a move that dropped Olano and Hervé. Rebellin attacked with three kilometers to go, which only Tonkov and Stefano Faustini could mark. As the trio reached the line, Rebelling edged out the other two for the win while also obtaining the race lead. In what was thought to be an easy day in the saddle, Claudio Chiappucci and two {{UCI team code|CAR|1996}} teammates made a move with ninety kilometers left in the flat, eighth stage.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/27/deportes/833148015_850215.html|title=Cipollini gana una etapa inventada por Chiappucci|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Cipollini wins a stage invented by Chiappucci|language=es|date=27 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508185545/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/27/deportes/833148015_850215.html|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live}} The trio of riders established a large enough lead to give Chiappucci the virtual race lead. Amore & Vita-Galatron and Saeco took control of the peloton and lifted the pace with under twenty kilometers left. Chiappucci's group was caught before the finish and the sprinter's set up for a field sprint, which was won by Cipollini.

File:Mario CIPOLLINI 2.jpg (pictured at the 1997 Paris–Nice) won the most stages at the race, with four.|alt=A cyclist dressed in a uniform.]]

The ninth leg featured more attacks from the Carrera team, particularly from Enrico Zaina who attacked throughout the stage's closing kilometers.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/28/deportes/833234418_850215.html|title=Zaina se impone en otra etapa loca del Carrera|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Zaina is imposed on another crazy stage Carrera|language=es|date=28 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813165208/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/28/deportes/833234418_850215.html|archive-date=13 August 2014|url-status=live}} The peloton finished in fragments to the numerous attacks that occurred in the final fifteen kilometers, with the winning attack coming from Zaina and Gontchenkov. Zaina dropped Gontchenkov near the finish and won the stage by four seconds over a large chasing group. The tenth leg was a mountainous stage that navigated through Tuscany.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/29/deportes/833320809_850215.html|title=Olano brilla en una etapa insidiosa|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Olano shines in an insidious stage|language=es|date=29 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508192407/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/29/deportes/833320809_850215.html|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live}} A group of six formed at the front of the race with eleven kilometers left from which Rodolfo Massi attacked and went on to win the stage. Behind the leaders, several general classification contenders made attacks, but all failed to produce any significant time gains. The eleventh stage resulted in a sprint finish won by Cipollini, as the race prepared to enter the higher and more difficult mountains.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/30/deportes/833407225_850215.html|title=La etapa más rápida da el tercer triunfo a Cipollini|author=Paolo Viberti|newspaper= El País|trans-title=The fastest stage gives the third triumph Cipollini|language=es|date=30 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508193121/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/30/deportes/833407225_850215.html|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live}} The twelfth stage witnessed the day's breakaway survive the encroaching peloton by two seconds.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/31/deportes/833493627_850215.html|title=Fontanelli, el honor de los 'antiguos'|author= Carlos Arribas

|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Fontanelli, the honor of the 'old'|language=es|date=31 May 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508193823/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/05/31/deportes/833493627_850215.html|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=live}} Fabiano Fontanelli won the sprint to the line between the surviving members of the original eight-man lead group, it was his fifth victory of the season that came from participating in a breakaway.

Panaria–Vinavil's Pavel Tonkov won the thirteenth leg because of a move he made with three kilometers left on the final climb Prato Nevoso.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/01/deportes/833580012_850215.html|title=Tonkov toma el liderato|author= Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Tonkov takes the lead|language=es|date=1 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511002638/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/01/deportes/833580012_850215.html|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}} Piotr Ugrumov was the only rider to mark Tonkov, but he was dropped shortly before the finish and crossed the line two seconds after Tonkov. Rebellin crossed the line 33 seconds after Tonkov and ceded the lead to Tonkov. During the mountainous fourteenth stage, the group of general contenders re-grouped after efforts by Panaria–Vinavil to bring Tonkov up to the leading group before starting the ascent of the Col d'Izoard.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/02/deportes/833666401_850215.html|title=Abraham Olano asoma la cabeza|author= Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Abraham Olano sticks out his head|language=es|date=2 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511003443/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/02/deportes/833666401_850215.html|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}} On the climb, Pascal Richard attacked and rode solo over the mountain, while Chiappucci made an effort to bridge the gap but failed to reach Richard. Richard won the stage, Chiappucci crossed the line 43 seconds after Richard, while several race contenders finished just seconds after Chiappucci. 1990 Giro winner Gianni Bugno won the fifteenth stage as the top ten positions of the general classification remained the same and Chiappucci being the only rider to gain time on the rest of the top ten, gaining two seconds.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/03/deportes/833752811_850215.html|title=Bugno responde a quienes le entierran|author=Robert Álvarez|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Bugno responds to bury him|language=es|date=3 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203203512/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/03/deportes/833752811_850215.html|archive-date=3 December 2015|url-status=live}}

The sixteenth leg's breakaway initially started with nineteen riders.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/04/deportes/833839201_850215.html|title=Tonkov y Ugrumov no consiguieron diferencias|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Tonkov and Ugrumov failed differences

|language=es|date=4 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023050209/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/04/deportes/833839201_850215.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=live}} Alexander Gontchenkov attacked out of the group and rode solo to the finish to win the stage, while time gaps between general classification contenders again did not change. Laurent Roux and Nicolaj Bo Larsen started the breakaway during the seventeenth stage and did not get caught by the peloton, staying out in front for {{convert|228|km|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/05/deportes/833925618_850215.html|title=Bo Larsen culmina una fuga de 228 kilómetros|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Bo Larsen completes a flight of 228 kilometers|language=es|date=5 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023050245/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/05/deportes/833925618_850215.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=live}} The peloton was gearing up for a chase with around {{convert|20|km|0|abbr=on}} to go, but race leader Tonkov suffered an issue with his bike and chose to wait for the team car to get another bike. This incident caused the field to slow their pace and wait for the leader, which caused the group to cross the line over sixteen minutes behind the winners. The next stage was won by Cipollini by means of a sprint finish, his fourth stage of the race.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/06/deportes/834012018_850215.html|title=Todos a la espera de Olano|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=All pending Olano|language=es|date=6 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511135437/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/06/deportes/834012018_850215.html|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}} The nineteenth stage was a lengthy time trial that stretched from Vicenza to Marostica.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/07/deportes/834098423_850215.html|title=El cronómetro se confabula contra Olano|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=The stopwatch conspires against Olano|language=es|date=7 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023050253/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/07/deportes/834098423_850215.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=live}} Evgeni Berzin won the stage by a single second over Spanish rider Olano. Olano's performance on the stage brought him into second place overall by one second, while Urgrumov only managed to gain six seconds on Tonkov – placing him fourteen seconds behind.

File:Pavel Tonkov EB05.jpg (pictured in 2005) won a single stage en route to his overall victory.|alt=A cyclist dressed in a uniform.]]

The twentieth stage featured several high climbs in the Alps, including the Passo Pordoi, also the sight of the stage's conclusion.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/m/diario/1996/06/08/deportes/834184819_850215.html|title=Olano se viste de rosa en el Pordoi|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Olano wears pink in the Pordoi|language=es|date=8 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930202308/http://elpais.com/m/diario/1996/06/08/deportes/834184819_850215.html|archive-date=30 September 2014|url-status=live}} As the race entered the Marmolada, the day's breakaway had been captured and a select group featuring the likes of Olano, Berzin, Zaina, race leader Tonkov, Ivan Gotti, and Ugrumov led the way. Zaina made the first move from the group, which managed to only drop Berzin. Zaina attacked repeatedly and was able to rider alone until the finish atop the Pordoi to gain his second stage win of the race. Behind, Gotti gave chase, finishing 47 seconds down. In a dash to the line, Bugno edged out Olano for third place and the accompanying time bonus; however Olano did establish a one-second margin between himself and Tonkov, allowing him to take the pink jersey by 46 hundredths. The penultimate stage was filled with more climbs in the Alps, including the Passo di Gavia and the Tonale Pass.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/09/deportes/834271230_850215.html|title=El Mortirolo da el Giro a Tonkov|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=The Mortirolo gives the Giro to Tonkov|language=es|date=9 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405155419/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/09/deportes/834271230_850215.html|archive-date=5 April 2016|url-status=live}} Serious attacks by race contenders began on the penultimate climb of the Mortirolo where Zaina started attacking first. Gotti, Tonkov, and Ugrumov followed Zaina's moves, while Olano was unable to follow. By the time Olano reached the summit of the Mortirolo, he was two minutes behind the leading riders. Gotti and Tonkov eventually dropped Ugrumov and Zaina on the final climb into Aprica. Gotti won the day, while Tonkov finished three seconds later and regained the lead by over two minutes. Olano's time loss during the stage moved him into third position overall. The race's final stage resulted in a sprint finish that was won by Serguei Outschakov.{{cite news|url=http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/10/deportes/834357611_850215.html|title=El tártaro que aprendió a ser malo|author=Carlos Arribas|newspaper= El País|trans-title=Tatar learned to be bad|language=es|date=10 June 1996|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023050333/http://elpais.com/diario/1996/06/10/deportes/834357611_850215.html|archive-date=23 October 2015|url-status=live}} Tonkov won his first Grand Tour, and was the second Russian to win the race.

Two riders achieved multiple stage victories: Cipollini (stages 4, 8, 11, and 18){{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/23/MD19960523-034.pdf|title=Cipollini pone la directa|language=es|date=23 May 1996|page=34|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Cipollini puts direct|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507140239/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/23/MD19960523-034.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/27/MD19960527-050.pdf|title=Cipollini acelera en una etapa de vértigo|language=es|date=27 May 1996|page=50|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Cipollini accelerates at a stage of vertigo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141327/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/27/MD19960527-050.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/30/MD19960530-048.pdf|title=Cipollini, con una pierna|language=es|date=30 May 1996|page=48|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Cipollini, one leg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141622/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/30/MD19960530-048.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/06/MD19960606-043.pdf|title=Lo mejor de la etapa, el sprint|language=es|date=6 June 1996|page=43|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=The best of the stage, the sprint|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142731/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/06/MD19960606-043.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} and Zaina (stages 9 and 20).{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/28/MD19960528-032.pdf|title=Primera andanada de Olano|language=es|date=28 May 1996|page=32|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=First salvo of Olano|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141423/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/28/MD19960528-032.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/08/MD19960608-031.pdf|title=Rosa|language=es|date=8 June 1996|page=31|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Rose|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142903/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/08/MD19960608-031.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Stage wins were obtained by eleven of the eighteen competing squads, six of which won multiple stages. Saeco–AS Juvenes San Marino amassed five stages wins through Cipollini and Silvio Martinello (stage 1).{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/19/MD19960519-038.pdf|title=Entre los mejores|language=es|date=19 May 1996|page=38|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Among the best|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135710/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/19/MD19960519-038.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} MG Maglificio–Technogym had three stages wins with Fontanelli (stage 12),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/31/MD19960531-045.pdf|title=Olano: la hora de la verdad|language=es|date=31 May 1996|page=45|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Olano: the moment of truth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141702/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/31/MD19960531-045.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Richard (stage 14),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/02/MD19960602-039.pdf|title=Olano gana terreno|language=es|date=2 June 1996|page=39|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Olano gains ground|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142223/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/02/MD19960602-039.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} and Bugno (stage 15).{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/03/MD19960603-040.pdf|title=Bugno saca la casta|language=es|date=3 June 1996|page=40|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Bugno takes bread|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142301/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/03/MD19960603-040.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Team Polti also collected three stages wins through Lombardi (stage 3),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/21/MD19960521-042.pdf|title=Zanini se enfunda el rosa|language=es|date=21 May 1996|page=42|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Zanini dons the pink|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135922/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/21/MD19960521-042.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Rebellin (stage 7),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/26/MD19960526-036.pdf|title=Olano se retrasa en el Sirino|language=es|date=26 May 1996|page=36|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Olano is delayed in the Sirino|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507140450/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/26/MD19960526-036.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}} and Outschakov (stage 22).{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/10/MD19960610-045.pdf|title=Tonkov, ruso de rosa|language=es|date=10 June 1996|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Tonkov, Russian pink|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507143111/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/10/MD19960610-045.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Three teams won two stages.{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/07/MD19960607-042.pdf|title=Olano, por un segundo|language=es|date=7 June 1996|page=42|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Olano, for a second|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142820/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/07/MD19960607-042.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/09/MD19960609-036.pdf|title=Mucho Mortirolo para Abraham Olano|language=es|date=9 June 1996|page=36|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Much Mortirolo for Abraham Olano|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507143005/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/09/MD19960609-036.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Amore & Vita-Galatron (through Magnusson on stage 2 and Bo Larsen on stage 17),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/20/MD19960520-048.pdf|title=Edo acaba tercero y Olano se cae sin consecuencias|language=es|date=20 May 1996|page=48|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Edo Olano finishes third and falls without consequences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135824/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/20/MD19960520-048.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}}{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/05/MD19960605-053.pdf|title=Samaranch da vía libre|language=es|date=5 June 1996|page=53|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Samaranch gives way|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142647/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/05/MD19960605-053.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Carrera Jeans–Tassoni (with Zaina), and Gewiss Playbus (Berzin on stage 19 and Gotti on stage 21). Five teams ended the race with one stage win: Kelme–Artiach (through Edo on stage 5),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/24/MD19960524-033.pdf|title=TorpEdo|language=es|date=24 May 1996|page=33|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=TorpEdo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507140328/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/24/MD19960524-033.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}} Festina–Lotus (with Hervé on stage 6),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/25/MD19960525-030.pdf|title=Movida y control|language=es|date=25 May 1996|page=30|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Movement and control|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507140410/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/25/MD19960525-030.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live|agency=EFE}} Refin-Mobilvetta (Massi on stage 10),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/29/MD19960529-038.pdf|title=Olano dice 'aquí estoy yo'|language=es|date=29 May 1996|page=38|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Olano says 'here I am'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141522/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/05/29/MD19960529-038.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} Panaria–Vinavil (with Tonkov on stage 13),{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/01/MD19960601-043.pdf|title=Tonkov se viste de rosa|language=es|date=1 June 1996|page=43|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Tonkov pink dress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507141926/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/01/MD19960601-043.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}} and Roslotto–ZG Mobili (Gontchenkov on stage 16).{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/04/MD19960604-038.pdf|title=Gontchenkov se va solo|language=es|date=4 June 1996|page=38|publisher=El Mundo Deportivo S.A.|access-date=27 May 2012|format=PDF|trans-title=Gontchenkov goes alone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507142346/http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1996/06/04/MD19960604-038.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Gavia.jpg was the Cima Coppi for the 1996 Giro d'Italia.]]

Four different jerseys were worn during the 1996 Giro d'Italia. The leader of the general classification – calculated by adding the stage finish times of each rider, and allowing time bonuses for the first three finishers on mass-start stages – wore a pink jersey. This classification is the most important of the race, and its winner is considered as the winner of the Giro.{{cite web |author=Laura Weislo |url=http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/giro08/?id=/features/2008/giro_classifications08 |title=Giro d'Italia classifications demystified |date=13 May 2008 |website=Cycling News|access-date=13 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508234448/http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/giro08/?id=/features/2008/giro_classifications08 |archive-date=8 May 2013 |url-status=live }}

For the points classification, which awarded a purple (or cyclamen) jersey to its leader, cyclists were given points for finishing a stage in the top 15; additional points could also be won in intermediate sprints. The green jersey was awarded to the mountains classification leader. In this ranking, points were won by reaching the summit of a climb ahead of other cyclists. Each climb was ranked as either first, second or third category, with more points available for higher category climbs. The Cima Coppi, the race's highest point of elevation, awarded more points than the other first category climbs. The Cima Coppi for this Giro was the Passo di Gavia and was first climbed by the Colombian Hernán Buenahora. The intergiro classification was marked by a blue jersey. The calculation for the intergiro is similar to that of the general classification, in each stage there is a midway point that the riders pass through a point and where their time is stopped. As the race goes on, their times compiled and the person with the lowest time is the leader of the intergiro classification and wears the blue jersey.

Although no jersey was awarded, there was also a classification for the teams, in which the stage finish times of the best three cyclists per team were added; the leading team was the one with the lowest total time. There was another team classification that awarded points to each team based on their riding's finishing position in every stage. The team with the highest total of points was the leader of the classification.

The rows in the following table correspond to the jerseys awarded after that stage was run.

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Other less well-known classifications, whose leaders did not receive a special jersey, were awarded during the Giro. Other awards included the most combative classification, which was a compilation of points gained for position on crossing intermediate sprints, mountain passes and stage finishes. Italian Fabrizio Guidi won the most combative classification. Teams were given penalty points for minor technical infringements. {{UCI team code|MAG|1998}} and {{UCI team code|AND|1998}} were the most successful in avoiding penalties, and so were both winners of the Fair Play classification.

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Giro d'Italia}}

{{Cycling stage recaps|1996 Giro d'Italia|1|11|12|22}}

{{Giro d'Italia general classification winners}}

Giro d'Italia

Giro d'Italia

Giro d'Italia

Category:International cycle races hosted by Greece

1996

Category:International cycle races hosted by Italy

Category:May 1996 sports events in Europe

Category:June 1996 sports events in Europe