Cycling: Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) won Tirreno-Adriatico. The Pole defended the blue jersey in the final time trial. In San Benedetto del Tronto he was even able to extend his lead over his biggest rivals. The stage win went to top favorite Rohan Dennis (BMC).
Even the rain doesn't stop Kwiatkowski
The Sky and BMC teams dominated the last day of Tirreno-Adriatico. Rohan Dennis (BMC) drove to the stage win while the sun was still shining. After it rained briefly, his team-mate Damiano Caruso fought for overall victory on the wet track. But it wasn't enough, because Team Sky proved once again that it's hard to beat in time trials - and in tours anyway. Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) didn't let the weather spoil his triumph. Despite the wet track, the Pole drove a top time, only 20 seconds behind, and was even able to extend his lead over his teammate Geraint Thomas by another three seconds. Damiano Caruso lost 21 seconds to Michal Kwiatkowski but saved his second place overall from Geraint Thomas.
Dennis unbeatable, Martin weak again
In the end, on the only ten-kilometer course, it was no longer about winning the day. On the hot seat, Rohan Dennis was already able to celebrate his stage win. With the pavement still dry, the Australian was four seconds faster than Dutchman Jos Van Emden (LottoNL-Jumbo) and eight seconds faster than Spaniard Jonathan Castroviejo (Sky) and Denmark's Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo). Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin) again failed to perform well in the fight against the clock. The German time trial champion had no chance of making the top 10 and ended up losing 27 seconds to the day's winner, Rohan Dennis.
The #TirrenoAdriatico 2018 is by Michal Kwiatkowski! 🔱
Second post in general for our family Damiano Caruso 👏🇮🇹 #EurosportCICLISMO | https://t.co/yeuDfSfQxW pic.twitter.com/HNEUoXSasG
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) March 13, 2018