Marco Pastonesi

The 'maglia nera' used to be awarded to the last rider on GC. The jersey no longer exists, but the last-place position still holds its poignancy.

From stage wins to leading the general classification, to riding through challenging weather, we recount some of the firsts at the Giro d'Italia.

Journalist Marco Pastonesi recounts the tales of breakaway riders who dreamed of victory at the Giro d'Italia.