Geraint Thomas reclaims Maglia Rosa

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Portugal’s João Almeida wins stage 16 of the Giro d’Italia in a sprint against Welshman Geraint Thomas, who is once again the leader.

The 203km stage from Sabbio Chiese to Monte Bondone has it all with 5,200 vertical meters over five categorized climbs. On the last 21.4 km with an average gradient of 6.7 percent, 1,430 meters of altitude have to be overcome. Not surprisingly, the three top favorites for the overall victory, Almeida, Thomas and the Slovenian Primoz Roglic, occupy the first three places.

Almeida attacks with almost six kilometers to go and opens a small gap. About a kilometer and a half later, Thomas reacts and overtakes the Portuguese, Roglic cannot react and eventually loses 25 seconds to the top duo. Thomas, who has no chance in the sprint against Almeida, can take comfort in the fact that he will wear the “Maglia Rosa” for the fifth time in this Giro on Wednesday.

Now the penultimate flat stage follows

He leads the general classification with an 18 second lead over Almeida and 29 seconds over Roglic. Thomas celebrates his 37th birthday on Thursday and can become the oldest rider to win the Tour of Italy. Five years ago he already won the Tour de France. As expected, the Frenchman Bruno Armirail, who started the 16th stage as leader, has no chance, but is 4:24 minutes behind.

After the tough mountain stage at the start of the third and final Giro week, the riders will get a breather on Wednesday. The 195 km long 17th stage from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle is the last chance for the sprinters and fast breakers before the final stage in Rome. On Thursday we continue with the first of three mountain finishes in the Dolomites. (SDA)

Source : Blick