Save for Bob Jungels (Etixx-QuickStep) conceding the pink jersey to Andrey Amador (Movistar), there were no major changes to the general classification on stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia, but the first of the weekend's trio of mountain stages marked a discernible shift in tone for the race.
After the bluff and counter bluff of the opening two weeks, the stiff ascents of the Porzus and the Valle seemed a prelude to the Giro's denouement in the high mountains, and the entire stage showcased the differing tactical approaches of the race's two strongest blocks, Movistar and Astana.
Movistar again looked to influence the race by sending riders up the road early on – Giovanni Visconti survived off the front to take second – while Amador and Alejandro Valverde sat in the wheels. Astana, by contrast, took up the reins at the head of the peloton and looked to force a selection on the Porzus, where the forcing of Jakob Fuglsang and Michele Scarponi eventually reduced the pink jersey group to just 16 riders.
ADVERTISEMENT
On the final ascent of the Valle, meanwhile, there was another stalemate between Valverde and Nibali, with each man placing one acceleration before laying down arms on the dangerous descent into Cividale del Friuli.
More on this story:
Giro d’Italia stage 13 – Finish line quotes
Giro d’Italia stage 13 highlights – Video
Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) did fire a shot across Valverde's bows by claiming the sprint for third place on the stage and nabbing four bonus seconds to leapfrog him on general classification, but in truth it was another score draw between the Giro's two favourites. Two weeks in, just two seconds separate Nibali (3rd at 41 seconds) and Valverde (4th at 43 seconds).
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/241bSQt
No comments:
Post a Comment