Alberto Dainese timed his dash to perfection in a breathless end to win Wednesday’s stage 17 on the Giro d’Italia, a 195km journey from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle. The Ineos Grenadiers rider Geraint Thomas continues to lead the general standings, 18 seconds forward of João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) with Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) in third.
The Team DSM rider Dainese held off Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious) in a mass dash to prevail by a number of centimetres, with Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla) taking third. “In the last metres, I was really digging so deep. I was really on the limit and I saw Johnny coming. I couldn’t throw my bike because I was really on the limit but it’s nice to get a few centimetres in front and get the win,” Dainese stated.
“In the last five days, I was quite sick with stomach issues. Today was the first day I was feeling OK, like 80%, and to win after such a struggle in the last five days is insane.”
Mark Cavendish, who introduced on Monday that he’ll finish his 17-year profession as knowledgeable bicycle owner on the conclusion of the season, additionally appeared to be in competition for the stage win, however pale within the last kilometre.
A four-man breakaway comprising of Thomas Champion (Cofidis), Charlie Quarterman (Corratec-Selle Italia), Diego Sevilla (Eolo-Kometa) and Senne Leysen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) had earlier constructed a bonus of over two minutes. Leysen attacked with 22km to go and put in a valiant efficiency as he battled a difficult headwind, however he by no means stood an opportunity as Movistar and Groupama–FDJ took management of the surging peloton, which swallowed up the Belgian rider with 5km left.
Thomas safely retained his race lead as the Giro heads in direction of its conclusion. “It was a crazy bunch finish. Luckily it didn’t rain that much today,” stated Thomas, who turns 37 on Thursday. “We are all safe and ready for the next three stages. Wearing the maglia rosa on my birthday will be definitely nice, I hope I can keep it until Rome.”
Thursday’s stage 18 takes place on a mountainous 161km route from Oderzo to Val Di Zoldo, with two class one ascents.
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