Cycling: Ben O'Connor was beaten a few yards from the finish yesterday. Today the Australian has the better end on his side. He wins the 17th leg of the Giro d'Italia ahead of Austrian Hermann Pernsteiner. There were no significant time gaps in the overall standings.
Ruben Guerreiro reclaims the mountain jersey
The pros had to cover 203 kilometers on today's 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia. Four mountains had to be climbed between the start in Bassano del Grappa and the finish in Madonna di Campiglio. On the first of these – up to Forcella Valbona – the 19-man breakaway group formed. There was once more Ruben guerreiro (EF). The Portuguese scooped up the maximum number of points in the first two climbs and thus virtually regained the lead in the climbs. The leader so far Giovanni Visconti (Vini Zabù – KTM) was not part of the escape group. The Austrian Herman Pernsteiner (Bahrain – McLaren) and the Swiss Kilian Frankiny (Groupama – FDJ) have made the leap forward.
Ben O'Connor sovereign in the final climb
Immediately after the second mountain classification Dario Cataldo (Movistar) his heart in both hands. As a soloist, he quickly gained a lead of a little over a minute over his former companions. But in the further course the chasing group disintegrated and the first part was able to catch up with the Italians. Meanwhile, it became increasingly clear that the day's win belongs to a breakaway. In the final climb went first Ben O'Connor (NTT) on the offensive. Behind them they also attacked each other, so that in the end they were all alone. Behind the Australian, the Austrian tried Herman Pernsteiner (Bahrain – McLaren) to restore contact. The Belgians followed Thomas de Gendt (Lotto – Soudal) and the Russian Ilnur Zakarin (CCC). They finally reached their destination in exactly this order. Ben O'Connor celebrates a stage win at this year's Giro d'Italia after being beaten so narrowly yesterday.
Joao Almeida neutralizes the attacks
In the peloton, the German team Sunweb took command again on the final climb. As well as Jay Hindley, as well as most wilco kelderman tried an attack. Yes leaders Joao almeida (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) knew how to neutralize the attacks on his pink jersey. Therefore, the Portuguese will also lead the Giro d'Italia tomorrow when, among other things, it goes up the Stelvio Pass. For many experts, tomorrow's stage is the king's stage. If Joao Almeida survives this test as well, he can actually win the Giro d'Italia 2020.
It's good for O'Connor and not at least Bjarne Riis!
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