Why are the Italian riders faring so badly at the Giro d'Italia?

Home riders haven't gone this long without a stage win since 2010

Italian champion Giacomo Nizzolo is cheered on by fans at the Giro. The rider would later abandon the race after struggling with allergies.

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

The Italians are having one of their worst Giro d'Italia rides in years, failing to win a stage in the first half of the race.

Italians have not gone this long into their home tour without a stage win since 2010 when Filippo Pozzato won the 12th stage, with  foreigners, or "stranieri", having won each of the first 10 stages.

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