Cycling: Geraint Thomas has taken over the pink jersey again – and this time he might not give it up at all. The Brit finished second to Joao Almeida on stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia, taking the lead in the overall standings.
Geraint Thomas & Joao Almeida are the strongest on the mountain
The top ranking drivers have finally put their cards on the table. The 16th stage of Tour of Italy has done some damage in the standings. No wonder, because from Sabbio Chiese to Monte Bondone it was 203 kilometers and five mountain classifications to be completed. Almost 30 breakaways went on the offensive, but had no chance of a successful escape when Jumbo – Visma dictated the pace. So the section became a matter for the class riders. And they really let it rip today. After his team increased the pace again, they attacked Joao almeida (UAE). A few meters later closed Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) up to him. Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) couldn't follow, either Lennard Kamna (Bora – hansgrohe), which had previously had to be torn down. So there was a two-man sprint on Monte Bondone for the day's victory, which Almeida finally won. But Thomas can be happy about Rosa.
Healy takes the blue jersey
A total of 26 men ventured into the breakaway today, including Jack Haig (Bahrain-Victorious), Patrick Conrad (Bora – hansgrohe), Aurélien Paret-Peintre (AG2R – Citröen) and Ben Healy (EF Education - EasyPost). Since the Astana duo Vadim Pronsky and Christian Scaroni Seeing little chance of winning in this well-known competition, it attacked early after the first mountain classification. Together, the two were able to gain a lead of over two minutes over their previous companions, who were increasingly at odds. Ben Healy made the best of the situation and collected valuable points for the mountains classification. The Irishman took the lead and will therefore be wearing the blue jersey tomorrow.
Jumbo - Visma chases the breakaways
Even before the summit of the mountain in Serrada, the Astana duo was caught again. 17 front runners were supposed to start the final climb with a lead of almost four minutes. In the peloton, Jumbo - Visma felt responsible because they had no driver in the breakaway group and with a captain Primois Roglic probably wanted to win the stage. than me Rohan Dennis the last of his helpers - apart from Sepp kuss – did his job, UAE Team Emirates took over. With three helpers at his side increased Joao almeida the tempo. This one fell next to Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ) also the overall leader Bruno Armirail (Groupama – FDJ) to the victim. Of course, the remaining breakaways had no chance of winning the stage at this high speed. So today's win should be a matter for the top favorites.
Almeida attacks, Kämna with difficulty
As a Jay Vine (UAE) took over the pace dictate, it was finally over for those riders who up until then had just been able to hold on to the rear wheel. Among other things, they could Damian Caruso (Bahrain-Victorious), Hugh Carthy (EF Education – EasyPost) and Lennard Kamna (Bora – hansgrohe) no longer go along. Next to Joao almeida (UAE) only remained Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), Eddie Dunbar (Jayco – AlUla), Sepp kuss (Jumbo – Visma) and Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) left. With 6,0km to go, the top 5 slowed down a bit, which Joao Almeida didn't like at all. The Portuguese launched another attack when it started to rain - but didn't get away decisively.
Thomas is losing Roglic
4,5 kilometers from the finish was the pace for Eddie Dunbar too high. And also Primois Roglic couldn't follow. His teammate Sepp kuss stayed with him while the duo dated Hugo Almeida and Geraint Thomas dropped meter by meter. Now it was clear: the stage victory will be between these two – and maybe the overall victory as well.
Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) decided to take part and join Joao Almeida at 4.5 km from meta #Turn #GirodItalia #twist106 #Noticiclismo #ciclismo pic.twitter.com/lzNT6vgqMa
— NotiCiclismo ➡ #Giro (@Noticiclismo1) May 23, 2023
João Almeida takes the stage win!
Geraint Thomas takes the maglia rosa!
What a battle in the mountains ⚔️#giroditalia pic.twitter.com/nZqN9T2LQq
- Eurosport (@eurosport) May 23, 2023