We have another transitional stage today. It has a hilly finish, but no KoM points are on offer in the entire stage. The organizers favour the puncheurs.
Rutsch, Van Den Bossche and Williams try their luck in the break today.
But they’re brought back soon after by Bralirwa. Munyaneza attacks next.
He’s joined by Habimana, Roson, Zimmermann and Calzoni. Now that Bralirwa is happy with the composition of the break the peloton is as well and the five get away easily.
The gap is at nearly 11 minutes with 90 km to go. It looks like the peloton is happily trading away the stage win for a calm day in the office.
With 50 km to go the gap is down to 7’24.
And with 20 km to go the lead is down to 3 minutes. Will the peloton actually reel them in?
Munyaneza is dropped with 10 km to go, the other four enter the final climb with a gap of 1’50 to the peloton.
Habimana leads the break into the final km. He’s also the fastest of them on paper.
He launches his sprint with 500 m to go. Zimmermann is on his wheel. Roson and Calzoni are attentive as well.
And this is also the order at the finish!
Nikiema wins the sprint for 5th against Van Dijke.
Gaviria, Kudus, Madouas and Van Gils complete the top 10.
Congratulations to Habimana who crowns the early work of his team today!
[GT] Giro d’Italia 
