Cycling: The seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia again saw a sprint finish. However, it had this in itself. Winding roads, tight corners and nervousness at the front of the field. Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) was unimpressed by this. He prevailed in front of Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek) and Luka Mezgec (Giant Shimano).
The 211-kilometer stage from Frosinone to Foligno was previously dominated by a five-man lead group, which again included Björn Thurau (Europcar) from Fulda. The 25-year-old drove a spirited race and tried several times in the finale to challenge his competitors to work on their pace. This was for a good reason. With almost thirty kilometers to go, the lead over the field in which the sprinter teams set the pace was just under four minutes. However, the unity of the group finally came to an end with six kilometers to go. The group was finally caught two kilometers from the finish.
After that, Giant-Shimano in particular set the pace. In Kittel's absence, Mezgec should ensure another win of the day. But Bouhanni, who no longer had a helper at his side, cleverly attached himself to the Slovenian's rear wheel. In the last few meters he didn't give him a chance. He timed his start perfectly and was able to keep the strong Nizzolo in check.
There were no changes in the overall standings. Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEdge) continues to lead. However, it will likely be difficult for him tomorrow. The stage, which is dedicated to honoring Marco Pantani, will feature several climbs that the rider, who passed away ten years ago, considered part of his training grounds. It's quite possible that Cadel Evans (BMC) will then take over the Maglia Rosa . Spaniard Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) will no longer be in contention for a stage win or a top position in the general classification. He suffered broken ribs in a serious crash in the finale of yesterday's stage and abandoned the race.
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