Yet another rather "medium" stage with its 173 km. It's much more suited for hilly riders than yesterday since there's a shot, but steep hill just before the finish. I guess we might see the first battle for the overall GC today.
But no stage without a tv-break. Therefore, Illiano, Johansson, Arekejev, Hulsmans and Crawford went on and would try to surprise the GC contenders. To start with, they went over the first mountain, and Illliano took the mountain points despite the fact that Crawford and Arekejev tried to attack to get to the top first Illiano only got 5 points, though, so for now, Stamsnijder keeps his jersey.
With 100 km. to go they had established a gap of 6 minutes, but we saw yesterday how easily it can decrease again. Today is no exception as American Suzuki took the lead to protect Bettini's jersey and lead him to another win. Meanwhile, though, Johansson took some intermediate points - and even more important, the action in the peloton began as Gerdemann, Marzoli and Mayo went on and attacked Bettini's jersey.
The pace in the peloton was increased even more, forcing everyone to work hard. In the end, the three were caught again, and shortly after, with 40 km. to go, the other breakaway riders were reeled in. The fight for the win could begin.
So, with 11 km. to go, the hill started. At this point, it's Magenta leading the P, but that didn't prevent Sanchez Gil of France TV of attacking. He was followed by Pellizotti, the leader's jersey holder Bettini, Cataldo, Rodriguez Oliver and Cobo.
Sanchez Gil is the first over the hill, but Rodriguez Oliver is right behind him. A few meters behind, it's Bettini, Pellizotti and Cobo. Cataldo seems in trouble, and in the peloton, iDi Luca, Ricco, Caruso and Lövkvist are trying to get away. But it seems like this will be between the five riders in front.
Here we are at the sprint! It's Bettini leading. In the background, we can see Di Luca, Ricco, Caruso, Lövkvist and Cataldo -- and then the peloton.
500 meters, and it's still Bettini. Can he really take his 2nd stage in row?
Bettini keeps his Points Jersey, and it seems like Illiano gets the Mountain Jersey even though he has the same amount of points as the guy who wore it this stage, Stamsnijder.
Edited by Roman on 16-10-2016 23:00
Illiano only got 5 points, though, so for now, Stamsnijder keeps his jersey.
