Cycling
Pogacar also wins second mountain finish of the Giro d’Italia
Tadej Pogacar also won the 8th stage of the Giro d’Italia from Spoleto to Prati di Tivo. photo
© Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse/AP/dpa
The Giro d’Italia seems to have been decided after the first week. Top favorite Tadej Pogacar has no trouble winning the second mountain finish.
One day after his success in the individual time trial, the 25-year-old won in the holiday resort of Prati di Tivo at an altitude of 1,451 meters ahead of the Colombian Daniel Martinez, captain of the German team Bora-hansgrohe.
Pogacar counters all attacks
In the overall standings, Pogacar extended his lead with a time credit. The two-time Tour winner now has a 2:40 minute lead over Martinez. Welshman Geraint Thomas, second overall last year, is third, 2:58 minutes back.
Pogacar reached the almost 15 kilometer long final climb with his closest rivals. After little had happened for a long time, the attacks began about two kilometers from the summit. But Pogacar easily countered the attacks and hardly had to get out of the saddle. His own successful attempt finally followed around 250 meters from the finish.
Before the first day of rest there could be a chance for breakaways on Sunday. On the 214 kilometers from Avezzano to Naples, the greatest difficulties await in the final phase, when several short but steep climbs have to be conquered. Professionals with explosive starts should have a clear advantage here.