Colombian Einar Rubio of the Movistar team on Friday overtook Frenchman Thibaut Pinot and Ecuadorian Jefferson Cepeda to win the 13th stage of the Giro d’Italia, shortened 74.6 kilometers by adverse weather conditions, Due to which the organizers were forced to change the route.
The Colombian crossed the finish line after two hours, 16 minutes and 21 seconds, with an advantage of six seconds over Pinot and 12 over Cepeda, which he held on to take his first stage win in one of world cycling’s three greats. Won the sprint for race.
In a three-way duel on the slopes of Crans Montana, Pinot and Cepeda attacked during a final thrilling climb before Rubio was caught from behind.
“It will take me a while to feel that I have won a stage of the Giro d’Italia. I didn’t think I would make it,” said Rubio, who raised his hand above his head. Raised and pointed to the sky. finish line.
“I knew Thibaut Pinot was coming in very strong, and Jefferson Cepeda was also very good. I just had to drop them both, play my strategy a bit, and so I waited for the end,” added the 25-year-old Giro. Rubio, the oldest in D’Italia’s history, scored 33 for Colombia’s victory in stages.
In the individual general classification, British Geraint Thomas of Ineos Team placed the maglia rosa with a two-second advantage over Slovenian Primoz Rogli of Jumbo-Visma and a 22-second advantage over Portuguese João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates.
The stage was affected by appalling weather and the organizers eliminated the climb over the Great St. Bernard Pass, shortening the route from kilometer 207 to 199 due to the risk of snow and avalanches.
The riders went into heavy rain in Borgofranco d’Ivrea, but at the end of the brutal climb of the Croix de Coeur, the organizers quickly re-boarded their team buses, before restarting the start of the stage at Le Cheble. Went.
Saturday’s stage 14 includes a top-class mountain prize near the start in Sierre, although the remaining 193km ride to Cassano Magnago will be flat.
