Cycling: The Giro d'Italia writes many stories. The sixth stage will go down in the books as a drama this year. After the race had been dominated by a leading group for a long time, a serious crash overshadowed the finale of the 257-kilometer stage from Sassano to Montecassino. Only a small group around Cadel Evans (BMC) and Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) was spared.
70 years ago, during the Second World War, the abbey in Montecassino was destroyed. The Giro headed to the site today to commemorate. As in the past few days, the race was affected by rain showers in the decisive phase.
After the four-man lead group was caught almost 12 kilometers from the finish, a fatal crash occurred in a roundabout, which stopped a large part of the field - including Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) and many other favorites , but also involved drivers like Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha).
Evans and overall leader Matthews, who were in the lead with a few helpers and tackled the finish climb with a lead of almost forty seconds, got off lightly. In the last few kilometers they were able to extend this lead to 49 seconds. Evans led the group into the last kilometer but had to settle for third place in the end. Matthews, who also defended his jersey, secured the day's win ahead of Belgian Tim Wellens (Lotto Belisol).
There were big changes in the overall standings as a result of the fall. For some favorites, the fairs may even have been read. The coming days will show which of them can pose a threat to Evans again. Of course, the Australian is happier in the coming days.
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