Bahrain Victorious’ Eulalio holds Giro lead despite Vingegaard attack

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain Victorious rider Afonso Eulalio retained the Giro d’Italia leader’s jersey yesterday after limiting his losses to Jonas Vingegaard on the demanding ninth stage to Corno alle Scale.

The Portuguese rider, one of the revelations of this year’s race, finished fifth on the mountainous 184km stage from Cervia as Jonas Vingegaard claimed victory with a late move on the final climb. Despite conceding 40 seconds to the Dane, Eulalio preserved an overall lead of just under two minutes and 30 seconds.

Eulalio, who seized control of the race with a strong ride on stage five, again showed resilience against the Giro favourite and the other general classification contenders on a long and gradual 28km ascent in warm but breezy conditions.

Austria’s Felix Gall finished second, 12 seconds behind Vingegaard, while Davide Piganzoli took third and Ineos rider Thymen Arensman crossed fourth. Eulalio rounded out the top five, managing to contain the damage on a stage expected to favour the pure climbers.

Italian veteran Giulio Ciccone animated the stage with an attack from the early breakaway 10 kilometres from the summit, although the peloton eventually reeled him in on the final slopes.