MONTE ZONCOLAN, Italy: Quintana of Colombia was poised to win the Giro d’Italia at the first attempt after holding off his rivals in the penultimate stage, a 167-km mountain ride won by Australian Michael Rogers yesterday.
Tinkoff-Saxo rider Rogers, who was last month cleared of wrongdoing after a positive test for clenbuterol last year, was the strongest rider involved in the 20th stage’s early breakaway, beating Italians Franco Pellizotti and Francesco Bongiorno for his second stage victory of the tour.
Bongiorno was with Rogers in the finale but was cost time when he lost his balance after being touched by a spectator.
Tour de France runner-up Quintana, 24, was never bothered by his rivals in the final ascent, an intimidating climb up the Monte Zoncolan at an average gradient of 11.9 per cent over 10.1-km.
The Movistar rider arrived almost five minutes behind Rogers, just ahead of compatriot Rigoberto Uran, who remains second overall, 3:07 behind.
Italian Fabio Aru, who crossed the line some 15 seconds behind, is still third.
Today’s 21st and final stage is a flat ride over 172-km from Gemona del Friuli to Trieste.
Earlier, the Colombian wearing the leader’s pink jersey, closed in on victory by winning the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia on the slopes of Monte Grappa on Friday after a good show.
The Movistar rider consolidated his race lead two days before the finish as he crossed 17sec ahead of Italy’s Fabio Aru following a 26.8km time-trial.
Colombian Rigoberto Uran, second in the overall standings, finished third at 1min 26sec..
Quintana holds a 3min 7sec lead on Uran in the overall standings with Aru at 3min 48sec.
”It was my speciality, I couldn’t let this stage go,” he said after winning the stage and soon added “Especially given my family had come from Colombia to watch me.” AGENCIES
