Alberto Dainese timed his dash to perfection in a breathless end to win Wednesday’s stage 17 at the Giro d’Italia, a 195-kilometre trip from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle, whereas Geraint Thomas retained the chief’s maglia rosa jersey.
The Team DSM rider held off Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious) in a mass dash to prevail by a number of centimetres, with Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla) taking third place.
“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 okay, like 80%, and to win after such a struggle in the last five days is insane.”
A four-man breakaway comprising of Thomas Champion (Cofidis), Charlie Quarterman (Corratec-Selle Italia), Diego Sevilla (Eolo-Kometa) and Senne Leysen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 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 continues to lead the total standings, 18 seconds forward of Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) with Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) in third place.
“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 161-km route from Oderzo to Val Di Zoldo, with two class one ascents.
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