Nat Bromhead
Spanish rider Gorka Izaguirre of Movistar, one of team leader’s domestiques, won a thrilling 8th stage of the Giro d’Italia overnight.
Italian Giovanni Visconti of Bahrain -Merida and Spaniard Luis León Sanchez of Astana Pro Team finished the 189km stage in second and third.
Quick-Step Floors rider Bob Jungels did well to retain the race leader’s jersey, the famed Maglia Rosa. But, as the toughest mountain stage of the centenary edition of the race looms large, that might change tonight.
Blockhaus Awaits
Stage 9 is one of the shortest stages of the 2017 edition of the Giro d’Italia at just 149km however the final 15km is virtually straight up! Yes, tonight’s stage of the 100th Giro will see riders tackle the legendary Blockhaus climb.
‘Unprecedented Stage’
Described by race organisers as an ‘unprecedented stage’, the final climb is on narrow roads with numerous hairpins. Gradients are over 9% for 10 km with peaks reaching 14%. There’s a short descent in the final kilometre before an uphill finish of 8%.
The stage will make for thrilling viewing – you can follow the action via several online streams, including Eurosport and Grand Fondo Guide, from 9pm AEST.
