Sepp Kuss has completed his trilogy of stage wins in the Tour, Vuelta, and Giro by winning the Giro d’Italia stage. The American rider, known as Jonas Vingegaard’s key domestique, secured the stage victory.
Kuss Victorious; Arensman Loses Ground
Thymen Arensman finished twelfth, 1.45 behind Kuss. Arensman acknowledged the difficulty of the stage. “It was extremely tough for everyone and everyone was at their limit,” said Thymen Arensman. “Today I gave everything, I can only be proud of that. Is the podium now out of sight? The finish is in Rome.”
Derek Gee-West finished second, 0.13 behind the winner. Ciccone finished third, just ahead of Gall and Vingegaard. Hindley crossed the line fifth, 0.43 behind the stage winner.
Key Moments on the Climbs
Sepp Kuss had 800 steep metres to the top with a 0.22 lead over Gee. The pink jersey wearer rode with Gall and Hindley (brought back by Pellizzari) at 1.00 behind. Arensman was 1.42 behind.
Pellizzari may have dropped back to assist Hindley in distancing himself from Arensman. The gap is already half a minute, which is approximately what Hindley needs to overtake the Dutchman in the standings.
Derek Gee overtook Ciccone for second place. Kuss overtook Ciccone. Vingegaard followed Gall’s wheel, while Hindley lost ground. Arensman was about ten seconds behind with Piganzoli, but he also had to let that wheel go.
Felix Gall attacked with 3 kilometres remaining. Vingegaard and Hindley responded, but Arensman was dropped.
Ciccone’s Early Attack
Giulio Ciccone began the final climb in Alleghe, which included an initial 15 percent gradient. Giulio Cicccone descended like a falcon. Pellizzari and Kuss countered Ciccone, but the gaps remained fairly constant.
The group of favourites, including Bernal and Arensman, also started the final climb. The chasers were one minute behind the leading group and needed to gain a minute on Ciccone.
Another strong day for Visma-Lease a Bike in this Giro saw Jonas Vingegaard reach the finish without any problems in the pink jersey. Piganzoli finished 1.13 behind, tightening the battle for the young rider classification.