Cycling: Jan Hirt won the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia. The Czech was part of a large breakaway group and was able to prevail on the final climb. Leader Richard Carapaz was able to defend his overall lead.
Hirt divides his forces perfectly
Even before the start of the 202-kilometer stage from Salò to Aprica, it was clear: the escapees have good cards again today. And that's exactly why numerous drivers wanted to be part of the leading group. 22 men formed the first group before additional pursuers organized behind them. The groups gradually broke up on the climbs, so that only six riders reached the summit of the penultimate mountain together. But instead of waiting until the final climb, sat Lennard Kamna (Bora – hangrohe) already launched his major attack on the descent. The German quickly built up a lead of around a minute. his pursuers Hugh Carthy (EF Education – EasyPost), Alejandro Valverde (movistar), Wout poels (Bahrain-Victorious), Jan Hirt (Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux) and Thymen Arensmann (DSM) stalked each other. On the final climb, however, the two last-named drivers ignited their turbo.
Kämna is passed through
Hardly unlocked, sat Thymen Arensmann his next attack. But the Dutchman didn't seem to have reckoned with the Czech. Then Jan Hirt stayed tuned, countered the attack and drove towards his stage victory as a soloist. So while Hirt divided his forces perfectly and came out of nowhere from behind all the way to the front, it seemed Lennard Kamna to have taken over something today. At the beginning of the final climb, the German almost looked like the certain winner before his strength left him. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old can once again be proud of himself. After his success on the fourth day of the Giro d'Italia and his courageous attack in the opening stage, this was yet another strong showing from the German climber.
Landa is stronger than ever
Also in the group of favorites things went off as expected today. After all, today's section with its 5250 meters in altitude is considered the king's stage of this Giro d'Italia. The team Bahrain – Victorious presented itself particularly impressive this time uphill. After Santiago Buitrago and bilbao hair had done their job, captain continued Mikel Landa his attack. The Spaniard could only Jay Hindley (Bora – hansgrohe) and leaders Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) to follow. The trio attacked each other several times, but could not produce another selection. So the three probably strongest climbers of this Giro d'Italia reached the finish in Aprica at the same time. They are now the favorites for the podium. However, we should not forget Joao almeida (UAE). The Portuguese only lost a few seconds and is probably the strongest of all class drivers present here in the time trial.
Jan Hirt a maintenant quelques mètres d'avance sur Thymen Arensman ! Les deux n'ont jamais gagné en World Tour meme si le Tchèque compte all de meme 4 bouquets en pro. Le trio de favoris est à 1'30". #Turn pic.twitter.com/XK1ZUv9iiV
— Le Gruppetto (@LeGruppetto) May 24, 2022