Giro d'Italia (2018) Photos May 4 - 27

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Jerusalem, site of the 2018 Giro d'Italia teams presentation	Jerusalem, site of the 2018 Giro d'Italia teams presentation
Israel Cycling Acadamy was the first team presented. Guy SAGIV, the only Israeli on their roster for this race, being interviewed		Overhead shot of the teams presentation in Jerusalem
Chris Froome will be attempting his third Grand Tour win in a row
	Team Sunweb leads out last year's overall winner, Tom Dumoulin
	The day before, a number of the Giro d'Italia's favourites shared their pre-race thoughts at a press conference: Trek Segafreo	Jarlinson Pantano: "After the Volta a Catalunya I spent a few weeks at altitude in Colombia to prepare for the Giro. I like this race, my motivation here is to win a stage. But I don’t know which. I like stages 10, 11, 14 and 15. These are the stages where I believe I have a good chance." Gianluca Brambilla: "For me it’s a bit strange to arrive at the Giro d’Italia with only a few days of racing. After the Abu Dhabi Tour, I’ve been off the bike for 20 days as I contracted pneumonia. Then I trained well and I did not come back straight to racing. I waited for the Tour of Croatia. My goal is to try and make a good GC. As I've shown in the past, I prefer to take a stage victory instead of a position outside the top 10 on GC. I start the race by focusing on the top 10 but, if it doesn’t work out, I think I have a stage victory in my legs."
Fabio Aru: "Coming to Israel yesterday, we realized the temperature is pretty high. We’ll have to pay attention to hydration. On the roads of stage 2 and stage 3, the wind will also be a factor that should not be underestimated. The opening time trial is a tricky course with lots of ups and downs. I had a great desire to return to the Giro. It’s a crossroads in my career; it’s the right time to win the Giro. I’ve never felt young because I’ve raced with responsibilities albeit with no stress, almost since the beginning; in fact, since 2014. In our team, I feel the serenity and the harmony to do well. There are about 15 riders who are here for GC. In addition to Pinot, Pozzovivo and Lopez, who were in great form at the Tour of the Alps, and Froome, who was in a similar condition to me, there's Chaves, [Simon] Yates, Bennett and Woods, who are among the climbers to watch. I don’t think the Zoncolan or the Jafferau will decide the race… all 21 stages will."	Fabio Aru	Tom Dumoulin
Tom Dumoulin: "It’s not the end of the world if I don't perform in the opening time trial, but it would be nice to get a good result and hopefully win it. I haven't seen the course yet but, in the book, it seems hilly, so it’s good. My first impressions of Israel have been great. I arrived late last night but I couldn’t resist the urge to visit the old city of Jerusalem, so I headed over on my bike. People were looking at me a bit funny, wondering who’s this guy with normal clothes on a race bike… Being the defending champion of the Giro, the difference is how people look at me but I haven’t changed. I was maybe too eager to show myself to the world at the beginning of the season but, after I reflected on what went wrong in the spring, I’m more confident in my capabilities at the start of the Giro. I’ve also learned from last year how to overcome the difficult moments. But I haven’t 'reckonned' any of the mountain stages for this year."	Tom Dumoulin	Elia Viviani: "It’s a good experience to start the Giro in Israel. One of the beauties of cycling is to see a lot of places in the world. I’m delighted to be here in Jerusalem, a beautiful city with a lot of history. I’m yet to see the course of the time trial and decide if I race it flat out to target the Maglia Rosa later on or reserve strength for the following two days in which I want to win. With races in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I’m used to winning in the desert and I’m confident to continue this winning streak. I’m here to complete the Giro. After I had a bad experience of going home after eight days, I don’t want that to happen again. An amazing scenery awaits us in Rome for the conclusive stage. It’s an extra motivation. Every time I start the Giro, I aim for the cyclamen jersey but my first goal is to win a stage or more. I’d love to reach Rome with three stage victories and the cyclamen jersey."
Chris Froome: "To participate in the Giro is a decision I came to with the team during the winter. It’s been almost a decade since I first started the Giro in the country that welcomed me as a neo-pro with Barloworld and I’m back to win the event. It’s a huge motivation to try and win three Grand Tours in a row. From the feelings I’ve had at the Tour of the Alps, I’m ready to win but I can’t say this is gonna be the result in three weeks' time. I’ve got an extremely versatile team to help me in every part of the race. I’m not going to rely on the time trials to win the Giro. It’s a full package. I’m glad I 'reckonned' the Zoncolan and the time trial [in Trentino]. I already knew the Colle delle Finestre. It's a tough race ahead. We had security concerns before coming to Israel but it’s all been fantastic. We rode with the Israel junior team this morning. Hopefully the Giro starting here will inspire young cyclists and there will be prominent riders from this part of the world on the pro scene in a few years."	Team Sky press conference	Team Sky press conference
Thibaut Pinot	Thibaut Pinot: "This is my first visit to Israel and I’m surprised by how beautiful it is. But it’s hot and that’s not my forte. However, the heat would be a problem for me in the mountains, not during the first three stages I guess. Last year I finished 1’20’’ down on Tom Dumoulin. It’s not much but I lost some time in the time trials and I was kind of sick in the second week. This year, I hope to not waste any time so I can make the podium. It’s great to have won the Tour of the Alps, beating Froome, Lopez and others, but each rider's form can be different 15 days before a Grand Tour. I won’t let myself get carried away by this result. Maybe my rivals will mark me more. Most importantly, I want to be in great shape to attack in the mountains."	Domenico Pozzovivo: "I trained hard at altitude before the Tour of the Alps where I performed well. It’s been the ideal lead-up to the Giro d’Italia. Cycling is such a global sport that I’m used to travelling for racing, and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to start outside of Italy. I like it here because it’s hot. Depending on the speed of the peloton, I hope to have a chance to look around during the race since it’s my first time in Israel. Vincenzo Nibali was one of my rivals before; he’s now a team-mate. During Tirreno-Adriatico, we shared a few little secrets. He’s a master in positioning in a peloton while I still have a lot to learn. He also took me on a mountain-bike to improve my descending skills. I expect to lose around forty seconds in the opening time trial to riders like Chris Froome and Tom Dumoulin who are specialists in this discipline. Then the Giro will be decided in the mountains. I particularly like the Jafferau for the length of the climb."
Israel and Italian race organizers. From left: Zohar Dvir, Seek Elkin, Sylvan Adams, Paolo Bellino, Yariv Levin, Miri Regev, Mauro Vegni and Daniel Benaim	Avner Shalev and Gioia Bartali: Stage 1 of the 101st Giro d’Italia is dedicated to Gino Bartali, the former champion who was awarded the honour of ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ on 10 October 2003, three years after he passed away. His name is engraved on the Wall of Honor in the Garden of the Righteous in the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem. On the occasion of the first-ever Big Start of the Giro d’Italia outside of Europe, the great Italian cyclist has been made honorary citizen of Israel by the country’s authorities. Yad Vashem chairman Avner Shalev presented the certificate of Commemorative Citizenship to his grand-daughter, Gioia Bartali.

Stage 1:  Jerusalem → Jerusalem, 9.7 km  Full Results and Report

First down the ramp in the Jerusalem 9.7 km ITT was Fabio SABATINI (QST). First Grand Tour start outside of Europe.	Israel Cycling Academy was of course the most popular team
Sergio HENAO (SKY)	Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) in the start house	World Champ TT champ and last year's overall Giro winner, Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) down the ramp
Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)	Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)	Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) wins the lumpy 9.7 km ITT in 12:02 by 2s
	“This is all I wished – the win and quite a lot of time on the other GC riders. I knew I was ready for the Giro but I wasn't sure I'd win today. The course was hard but absolutely perfect for me.”
2nd Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) + 2s. "It was a technical course. It was hard to get a rhythm and it was challenging. I would have liked the roads to be a bit smoother but you can't have everything. I did everything I could and the only way I can judge how I rode is my position at the end of the day. I was pretty relaxed until the last half an hour of the race. I knew Tom was going to be the big rival today and he proved that by taking the win. There were a few other riders that I was surprised about. There was nothing I could have done better today. I was just beaten by the better guy."	3rd Victor CAMPENAERTS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL) + 2s	Victor CAMPENAERTS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL)
9th Tony MARTIN (GER/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 27s	11th Carlos BETANCUR (COL/MOVISTAR) + 28s
After his recon crash, 21st Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 37s	21st Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 37s	Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) after the finish
Your Stage 1 ITT winner, Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)
Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) picks up where he left off last year with the Pink Jersey		8th and best young rider, Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) + 21s

Stage 2:  Haifa → Tel Aviv, 167 km  Full Results and Report

Canadian Guillaume BOIVIN before getting in today's break for the home team, ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY	Thibaut PINOT (GROUPAMA - FDJ)	Chris FROOME (SKY) does everything with his elbows out
Chris FROOME (SKY) putting on a brave face after yesterday's recon crash and lost time	All Italians lust for this trophy, Davide Formolo (ITA/Bora - Hansgrohe) is no different	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) upgraded to the Pink Jersey after collecting bonus time at an intermediate sprint on Stage 2
The Pink Jersey arrives, Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)	Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) signing in	Last year's overall winner and the winner of the Stage 1 ITT was enjoying well-deserved attention prior to Stage 2
Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) enjoying his last day in Pink... for now	The rollout from Haifa
Great fan support along today's route		Today's main break with Lars BAK YTTING (DEN/LOTTO FIX ALL), Davide BALLERINI (ITA/ANDRONI - SIDERMEC - BOTTECCHIA) and Guillaume BOIVIN (CAN/ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY)
Animated action for the first KOM jersey of this year's race		Guillaume BOIVIN (CAN/ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY) was the last rider caught before the sprint finish
The peloton on its way to Tel Aviv for the sprint finish		The Tel Aviv sprint finish in full flight with fans dangerously busting over the sides
		Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) separating himself from the rest of the sprinters
Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins Stage 2 in Tel Aviv in 3:51:20 ahead of 2nd Jakub MARECZKO (ITA/WILIER TRIESTINA - SELLE ITALIA), 3rd Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE), 4th Niccolo BONIFAZIO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) and 5th Sacha MODOLO (ITA/EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC)	The winning margin
Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS): “Everyone expected me to win so I was very nervous this morning. I've returned to the Giro after a two-year absence and a great desire to win. I've had to use my team-mates earlier than planned. I dedicate this victory to my girlfriend Elena. We sacrifice a lot to achieve this kind of result."
“The guys did an amazing job and I want to say a big thanks for that! Rémi took the responsibility on his shoulders and closed the breakaway, Styby brought us to the front, then Florian took over with two kilometers to go, before Michael and Saba dropped me in the closing kilometer. It was chaotic because of all those corners and roundabouts, but we can be proud of ourselves”	Your Stage 2 winner, Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)
	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) upgraded to the Pink Jersey after collecting bonus time at an intermediate sprint on Stage 2
	“I missed the Maglia Rosa by very little yesterday but I made it today thanks to teamwork. My team-mates led me out for 20km to win this time bonus, and even before then they made sure no one escaped up the road. Viviani, to be honest, he sprinted but he didn't go full. It was good to see him get the stage win after... not that he gave it to me but, put it this way, he was kind.”

Stage 3:  Be’er Sheva → Eilat, 229 km  Full Results and Report

The winner's trophy arriving at the stage 3 start in Be’er Sheva	Yesterday's winner, Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS). We'll see him again later.	Also seen in the start area, The reverse tandem riders we saw yesterday (video). "Did you build this bike for the Giro...?" asked @jeremycwhittle. Answer: "You think we ride like this every day...?"
Our new race leader, Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING), signing-in		Stage 3 rollout from Be’er Sheva
Serious race security		Today's break included Guillaume BOIVIN (CAN/ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY) who was also in the break yesterday
BMC and race leader Rohan DENNIS	Desert scenery	Desert scenery in the South of Israel
	Look who was watching on? Lance Armstrong.	Desolate
Late lunch	Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) led out the sprint finish in Eilat with over 150m to go	Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) cuts to the other side of the road nearly taking out Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)
	Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) now in the lead
Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) win stage 3 in 5:02:09 ahead of 2nd Sacha MODOLO (ITA/EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC), 3rd Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) and 4th Jakub MARECZKO (ITA/WILIER TRIESTINA - SELLE ITALIA)	“Today, the race was maybe what we imagined in the middle of the desert, with around 2000 metres of ups and downs. All GC riders and sprinters teams rode at the front. Some riders lost contact as it was not an easy stage. The speed of the sprint was a bit low because of the corner with 350m to go. The wind also went up in the last few kilometres. Luckily it wasn’t as hot as we feared. There was some contact between Sam Bennett and myself in the sprint. I was already on his side when he made a clear move to the barriers, he was pushing me towards the road side but I made him understand that I was already there. With Quick-Step, I have the best team for the sprints and whatever I can win, I bring it home, regardless of who my rivals are. It doesn’t matter what the other top sprinters are doing at the moment, I’ve already faced them at the beginning of the season. I have chosen to do the Giro this year. I have already taken part in all three Grand Tours and I consider the Giro as the most difficult to finish. It’s my goal to complete it with the Maglia Ciclamino this year.”	Your Stage 3 winner, Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS). Two for two on the sprint stages.
Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) survives his first day in Pink	Race leader Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING): “It feels good to retain the Maglia Rosa. It's been a stressful day though. In the end, it's been a maximum effort to stay out of trouble and away from the splits. Campenaerts paid the price for his efforts to take the jersey but he did well. In Sicily, I'll take it day by day and try to stay in pink as long as possible.”

Stage 4:  Catania → Caltagirone, 198 km  Full Results and Report

Trofeo Senza Fine at the Stage 4 start back in Italy, Catania, Sicily	Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES)	Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) signing in for Stage 4
Race leader Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) finished 12th today + 10s	Incredible crowd reception during the Stage 4 rollout from Catania
Catania panoramic of the Stage 4 start with Mt Etna looming large in the background
BMC leading the peloton		Today's break with Enrico BARBIN (ITA/Bardiani CSF), Marco FRAPPORTI (ITA/Androni Giocattoli - Sidermec), Jacopo MOSCA (ITA/Willier Triestina - Selle Italia), Quentin JAUREGUI (FRA/AG2R La Mondiale) and Maxim BELKOV (RUS/Katusha Alpecin)
		Late attack by Valerio Conti (ITA/UAE Team Emirates) who was caught with 2 km after the race passed through Caltagirone
Enrico Battaglin (ITA - Team LottoNL - Jumbo) before attacking in the final 200m of the finishing climb. Simon Yates (GBR/Mitchelton - Scott) and Michael Woods (CAN/EF Education First - Drapac) biding their time.	The final 50m of the uphill finish in Caltagirone as Tim Wellens (BEL - Lotto Soudal) moves into the lead
The gaps at the finish	Great perspective of the Stage 4 uphill finish	The finish scene
Tim WELLENS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL) wins the first stage in Italy in 5:17:34 ahead of 2nd Michael WOODS (CAN/EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC), 3rd Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) and 4th Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Tim WELLENS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL) post-race: “We knew the roads were twisty here in Sicily and there was a little bit of panic in the bunch until the first intermediate sprint. Our plan today was that everyone would ride for me. We saw many comments on the internet saying that I was the favourite. The outcome couldn’t be better. Everyone in the team was helping me. The last pull by Adam Hansen was very strong. Tosh Van der Sande put me in a perfect position 500 metres before the end. I passed Enrico Battaglin with 200 metres to go but only after the line did I know I had won the stage. Two years ago, I rode away from the breakaway to enjoy my first Giro d’Italia victory. Today’s win gives me more emotions. It feels better to beat the whole peloton. I'm more relaxed now after this success, which makes things easier for the rest of the Giro, but my team-mates are also capable of winning stages. By now, I know that I’m a rider for Walloon classics and Il Lombardia, one-week stage races and stages in Grand Tours, but GC in Grand Tours isn’t for me.”	11th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 4s
18th Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 10s	7th Patrick KONRAD (AUT/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 4s	On the verge of a big win, Michael WOODS (CAN/EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC) contemplating his near miss today: “I felt great throughout the day and I knew I was going to be on a good one today,” Woods said afterwards. “It was a really difficult and challenging last climb. Wellens just had the better legs.” (cyclingnews.com)
Your Stage 4 winner, Tim WELLENS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL): “I’m a rider for the Walloon classics and Il Lombardia, one-week stage races and stages in Grand Tours, but GC in Grand Tours isn’t for me”	Race leader Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) finished 12th today + 10s	“To get the Maglia Rosa in Israel was one thing. To keep it after the first Italian stage is special. It’s great for BMC. Crowds were huge today, especially at the start and finish. I didn’t appreciate the amazing atmosphere of Caltagirone fully because I was in so much pain but it’s great to race here. Hopefully I’ll retain the Maglia Rosa for a couple more days. Tomorrow, it can be a similar stage but Etna will be my big test against the GC riders to see where I’m at as a Grand Tour contender.”

Stage 5:  Agrigento → Santa Ninfa, 153 km  Full Results and Report

Trofeo Senza Fine being brought to the windy start in Agrigento	Rollout for Stage 5 from Agrigento	Rollout for Stage 5 from Agrigento
		Break caught, Giovanni VISCONTI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) leading Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) through the final corner
Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) surges to the front	Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) checks his gap before...	... sitting up to celebrate his win. 3rd on the steeper uphill finish yesterday and 1st today. Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) wins Stage 5.
Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) wins Stage 5 in 4:06:33 ahead of 2nd Giovanni VISCONTI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 3rd José GONÇALVES (POR/KATUSHA ALPECIN), 4th Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), 5th Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), 6th Tim WELLENS (BEL/LOTTO FIX ALL)	The gaps at the finish	Your Stage 5 winner, Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)
	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) continues to led the race before the first mountain stage, Mt Etna on Stage 6	4th today and best young rider overall, Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

Stage 6:  Caltanissetta → Monte Etna, 164 km  Full Results and Report

Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ), 3rd today and 5th overall	GROUPAMA - FDJ and Trofeo Senza Fine	Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) signing-in for Stage 6. We'll see him again later.
Race leader, Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) arriving in Caltanissetta for Stage 6	Race leader, Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) in Caltanissetta before dropping to 6th overall	Stage 6 start scene in Caltanissetta
Jersey leaders prior to Stage 6	Stage 6 rollout from Caltanissetta
		This large break broke free after 40 km
The break	The peloton led BMC Racing	The peloton led BMC Racing
The break	14 km to go: Robert Gesink (NED - Team LottoNL - Jumbo) attacked from the break at the base of Mt Etna	Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) folloing Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA)
	The front of the chase cutting through the lava on Mt Etna: Miguel Angel Lopez (COL - Astana Pro Team), Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA - Bahrain - Merida), Simon Yates (GBR - Mitchelton - Scott) and George Bennett (NZL - Team LottoNL - Jumbo)
The race leader, Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) dropped and losing time. He slipped from 1st to 6th on GC.	Last break survivor, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Last break survivor, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) attacked off the peloton and bridge up to his teammate before leading him out for the win	Double victory salute: Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) takes the win while teammate 2nd Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) becomes the new race leader
	Best day ever for MITCHELTON - SCOTT according their race director, Matt White	3rd Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ) + 26s, 4th George BENNETT (NZL/LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 5th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 6th Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA), 7th Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR), 8th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)
Stage 6 winner, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) and 4th George BENNETT (NZL/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)	5th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)	Your Stage 6 winner, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)
Your Stage 6 winner, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT): “It’s been a fantastic day for us as a team but we have to keep our feet on the ground. A lot of things can still happen in the Giro with many more climbs ahead but we have something to enjoy now. I’ve worked very well in Colombia to prepare for the Giro. With a lot of work and a lot of love, it’s not impossible to win great races. I’ve been a bit lucky to make the breakaway with only one effort, but it’s beautiful to win here today. Stage win plus Maglia Rosa and Maglia Azzurra… how cool is that! When he came across, Simon Yates told me, ‘Come on, you've won the stage!’ At least that’s what I understood. It’s not only today but, if you look at our team’s results since January, we’ve done great so far.”	Your Stage 6 winner and points leader, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	New race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) by 16s
“I’m really happy. I arrived here at the Giro to try to win and I’ve been trying from the start in Israel to take the Jersey. Today I finally realised my goal. I want to win this Giro, of course. From the beginning I said that I believe we have the strongest team and I still think so. It’s not just the climbers but the guys for the flat, too – real powerful guys. I think we can do a really good job in defending the jersey. Of course it will be difficult – there are many hard stages – but I’ve confidence in the guys around me. I have the confidence to be the captain until Rome. We came here as a team and I’ll try to win.”	New best young rider, Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR)	Team MITCHELTON - SCOTT celebrates the end of a very good day

Stage 7:  Pizzo → Praia a Mare, 159 km  Full Results and Report

Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) acknowledging the crowd before his first day in Pink	Stage 7 start scene in Pizzo	Race animators and jersey leaders, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) and Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), getting focused for Stage 7
Some had only mild interest at the Pizzo race start before Stage 7	Rolling out from Pizzo	The start of a mostly flat coastal stage
	Race leader Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Some small coastal climbs near the 1/2 to 3/4 points on the stage
The break was caught with 15 km to go	Sprint trains congregating at the front	The sprint finish in full flight in Praia a Mare with Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) moving to the front and looking for his third win of the race
But, out from behind Viviani comes Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE)	Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE), as he said post race, found the right wheel and timed his sprint prefectly	The gaps at the finish: 1st Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) in 3:45:27, 2nd Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), 3rd Niccolo BONIFAZIO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 4th Sacha MODOLO (ITA/EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC), 5th Danny VAN POPPEL (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 6th Jakub MARECZKO (ITA/WILIER TRIESTINA - SELLE ITALIA), 7th Clement VENTURINI (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE), 8th Mads PEDERSEN (DEN/TREK - SEGAFREDO)
	Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) celebrates his first win of the season and his first Grand Tour stage win	“Being the first Irish stage winner since Stephen Roche in 1987 shows how hard it is to win a stage at the Giro d’Italia. I’m obviously happy to get my first Grand Tour victory. It was a question of keeping faith and being patient. I knew I had the ability to win and the last six weeks had gone smooth. I also did well in the first two sprints. Today it just clicked. This success will give the team more confidence in me and we’ll enjoy more respect in the bunch.”
Your Stage 7 winner, Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE): "I feel relieved"
Successful first day for race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) is confident going into the weekend stages with summit finishes for both Stages 8 and 9	“It was a very special day, of course – my first time leading a Grand Tour – so I felt a bit nervous at the start but it went well because the breakaway went early. Etna was my favourite climb on paper, with punch and rest, unlike tomorrow. Montevergine is a steady climb. But if my legs are good, maybe I’ll go again. I still have to look for some time on the climbs. Normally, over three weeks, I’m quite a consistent rider.”

Stage 8:  Praia a Mare → Montevergine di Mercogliano, 209 km  Full Results and Report

Scabby Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) signing-up before his latest crash	Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) and his fans	Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) was popular too
Good times for MITCHELTON - SCOTT. Jersey leaders, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) and Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	The rollout for Stage 8 in Praia a Mare where we left off yesterday	More coastal scenery at the start
Dropping the flag as the first attack gets started	Early break as the course hits over a coastal mountain
	Long-jam on the first climb
Descending back to the coast		Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Break survivor Koen Bouwman (NED - Team LottoNL - Jumbo) almost survived to the end	Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR) attacks off the peloton in the pouring rain
Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR) completes his winning attack	Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR): “Because of the rain, people were a bit nervous at the beginning. It made the last climb a bit complicated but it was a good one for me. Once I got a ten seconds lead, I kept it. It’s a surprise for everyone. But I had very good legs and I followed the advice of the coach who asked me to try. I’ve managed to time it well. Sky was controlling things and AG2R had accelerated. After I seized the opportunity, I had to be cautious of not falling on the wet road.”
	The stage winner and the next riders, blurry in the distance	The dig for the second and third place bonus seconds
	2nd Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 7s, 3rd Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ), 4th Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)	Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ)
5th Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	7th Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) + 7s	20th Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) +7s
Almost the winning interview, 44th Koen BOUWMAN, (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 55s	11th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 7s	9th Michael WOODS (EF EDUCATION FIRST - DRAPAC) + 7s
22nd Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 7s	Your Stage 8 winner, Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR)
Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), stayed cool in difficult conditions	“It was a more difficult stage than I expected because of the rain but no drama. We rode a nice tempo, safely. I tried to get some bonus but I got boxed in. It was a really fast climb. It was hard to make a difference. I expect more of a selection tomorrow. I had really good feelings again today. When Froome crashed, I heard about but it didn't realize it was him. He looked okay after.”

Stage 9:  Pesco Sannita → Gran Sasso, 225 km  Full Results and Report

Someone's tribute to Marco Pantani and Michele Scarponi at the start in Pesco Sannita	Happy Mother's Day	Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) arrives for Stage 9. By the end of the day he was 2nd overall
Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) signing-in	Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Start scene in Pesco Sannita for Stage 9
Stage 9 rollout from Pesco Sannita
The early Stage 9 break	At the front of the break, Cesare Benedetti (ITA - Bora - Hansgrohe), Maxim BELKOV (Rusland / Team Katusha - Alpecin) and Simone Andreetta (ITA - Bardiani - CSF)	Heading to the Apennine Mountains
	The final kms to Gran Sasso, Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) attacks	Four riders, all GC contenders at the front of the race in the final km
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) launches the winning attack with 100m to go	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) digging for the line	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) wins Stage 9 in 5:54:13 ahead of 2nd Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ), 3rd Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), 4th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 4s and 5th Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR)
6th Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 10s and 7th George BENNETT (NZL/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 12s and 9th Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA)	The gruppetto and Gran Sasso scenery	Your Stage 9 winner, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) extends his overall race lead
	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) now lead the race by 32s	“I was not surprised by my performance today. I already felt on the Etna that I I had very good legs, but today was very a difficult stage, a very long one, so I was not 100% confident in doing well in the finale. I’ve seen [Domenico] Pozzovivo, who was incredibly strong; Thibaut Pinot was there again, looking good; and Tom [Dumoulin] is still there. We haven’t got so much time on him; 38 seconds of an advantage on him isn’t enough before the time trial. On the other hand, some guys lost time – Chris Froome, maybe it was from the crashes, maybe he’s got no form, I don’t know. I was surprised to see Fabio Aru being dropped, but it’s a long race. Maybe they can bounce back.”
The team award also goes to MITCHELTON - SCOTT	Getting ready for the cable car ride back to the bottom...	The stage and overall winner went down the mountain just like everyone else... a long wait before taking crowded cable-car

Stage 10:  Penne → Gualdo Tadino, 244 km  Full Results and Report

Stage 10 start scene in Penne	A cat 2 climb right out of the gate
		Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)
The Stage 10 break developing		Was dropped on the first climb, Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)
Post rest day disaster for Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) after being inexplicably dropped at the start and never making it back to the front	After the longest stage of the race, a three men break on the treacherous descent to the fniish in Gualdo Tadino led by Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)	Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) was the aggressor
	Two up sprint dual in Gualdo Tadino between Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) and Nico DENZ (GER/AG2R LA MONDIALE)	Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) wins Gualdo Tadino
Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) finishes ahead of Nico DENZ (GER/AG2R LA MONDIALE)	Your Stage 10 winner, Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)	Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA): “Today’s goal was to make the breakaway. I did at the beginning with 12 other riders but, unfortunately, because of what happened to Chaves, the peloton came across. After that, I remained close to Domenico Pozzovivo until I asked him if I could ride behind Villela since I felt very good. He gave me the green light. I’m delighted that I have taken this opportunity. I wasn’t convinced I'd win the sprint against Nico Denz. That’s why I tried to drop him a few times before. Maybe I pulled a bit more than him. It was a hard stage and subsequently a different sprint than if we had arrived fresh. I’m not very good in a sprint from a slow speed so I launched and I increased my speed as much as I could. We came to the Giro to win stages from breakaways with Giovanni Visconti and myself, and sprints with Niccolo Bonifazio, but our main goal remains to help Pozzovivo for the best overall ranking possible.”
34s later, Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) beats Enrico BATTAGLIN (ITA/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) in the field sprint	Esteban CHAVES (COL/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) crosses the line 25 minutes later!	2nd overall at the start of the day and now completely out of contention
	Your Stage 10 winner, Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)	Matej MOHORIC (SLO/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) took a similar sort of win at last year's Vuelta a Espana
Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) stayed cooled in all the chaos: “We had an extremely difficult start. It was the most aggressive stage I’ve seen for a while. This usually happens in short stages only. But this was a long and ferocious race. The high speed never stopped. I first thought Esteban Chaves would be able to come back but it was a really crazy stage and I’m very disappointed for him as I know he's worked very hard for this. As for the tactics, I’d prefer he’d still be there, so we could play more cards and tactics in the final. I’m not scared of the third week; I’m scared of the time trial. I know I’ll lose some time there. That’s why I gained three seconds in an intermediate sprint today. If I keep gaining here and there, I’ll be happy. I’m confident that I’m going well and I have a great team to support me, but I know it won’t be easy. My rivals are very strong. I’m self confident as always and I’m understanding what I’m trying to achieve.”

Stage 11:  Assisi → Osimo, 156 km  Full Results and Report

Blessings from the start in Assisi
		The stage 11 start scene in historic Assisi
The rollout from picturesque Assisi
	The break with Luis Leon Sanchez (ESP - Astana Pro Team), Fausto Masnada (ITA - Androni - Sidermec - Bottecchia), Mirco Maestri (ITA - Bardiani - CSF), Alex Turrin (ITA - Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia)
	Svein TUFT and MITCHELTON - SCOTT chasing for race leader, Simon YATES	The break entering the late Michele Scarponi's hometown, Filottrano
The race was back together on the penultimate climb through Filottrano	4 km to go: The attack by Zdenek Stybar (CZE - QuickStep - Floors) and Tim Wellens (BEL - Lotto Soudal)	The GC contenders brought them
Race leader Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) attacked with 1.5 km to go and no one went with him	Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) followed by Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)
The gap between Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) and Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) didn't change much	Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) wins the uphill finish in Osimo by 2s over Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB)
“I attacked to gain seconds. The plan at the beginning was to not target the stage win. Normally there are faster guys like Tim Wellens and Enrico Battaglin, and their team chased indeed, but we arrived in the final and Jack Haig did a fantastic job. He led me out to the point where I was instructed to attack if we were to be in this situation. I wasn’t sure who was chasing me but, when I heard on the radio that it was Tom Dumoulin, I was hoping he’d crack because I was at the limit. Maybe I should have waited a bit more to make my move in order to gain more time but that was the plan. I had good legs, I managed to get away and I won so I’m happy with that. For the coming days, I’m more afraid of the time trial than the Zoncolan. I’m also hoping for no bad luck as we saw with Esteban [Chaves] yesterday. It just takes one bad moment and the race is over.”	2nd Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 2s and 3rd Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 5s	Your 2x stage winner, Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) added to his overall lead...
Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) now leads the overall by 47s	Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR) continues to lead the young riders competition

Stage 12:  Osimo → Imola, 214 km  Full Results and Report

Retired Italian sprinters Mario Cipollini and Francesco Chicchi at the Stage 12 start in Osimo	Sunweb riders, Tom DUMOULIN and Laurens TEN DAM	Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), winner of three Giro stages this edition, was dropped on the final climb before the finish
Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), signing in	Stage 12 start scene in Osimo
	Today's break	The break whizzing by
20 km to go: Tim Wellens (BEL - Lotto Soudal) attacked on the Imola circuit
Another late attack	Ace descender Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Merida) got away on the final descent, bridge up to Carlos Betancur who wasn't much help	The gap with 450m to go with Sam Bennett launching his winning move
	Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) wins in 4:49:34 and 2nd Danny VAN POPPEL (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) and 3rd Niccolo BONIFAZIO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)
Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Merida) rues what could have been
		Your cold Stage 12 winner, Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE)
Your Stage 12 winner, Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE)		Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)

Stage 13:  Ferrara → Nervesa della Battaglia, 180 km  Full Results and Report

		Unlike the previous day, pure sprinter Elia VIVIANI (QUICK - STEP FLOORS) survived the lumpy run before the sprint finish to take his third win this time in Nervesa della Battaglia

Stage 14:  San Vito al Tagliamento → Monte Zoncolan, 186 km  Full Results and Report

		Start scene in San Vito Al Tagliamento for Stage 14
		There was lots of climbing before today's main event
	Fans waiting at the top of today's final climb, Monte Zoncolan	Michael Woods (CAN - EF Education First - Drapac) attacks at the bottom of Monte Zoncolan
Wout Poel nullified all attacks for Chris Froome who attacked a dinosaur at one point		Chris Froome (Sky) attacked with his legs with 5 km to go
Gaps forming behind Chris Froome
Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) attempting to reel in Chris Froome		Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) chasing Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) through the tunnel with about 300m to go
Chris Froome rounding the final corner
The final stretch		The finis scene
Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) wins atop Monte Zoncolan with Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) coming up slightly short		Simon Yates had a good view of the victory salute
2nd Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) + 6s	3rd Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 23s from earlier on the final climb	5th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 37s
Most disappointing result, 17th Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 2:23		Chris Froome was pleased to move from 12th up to 5th on GC
Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) post race	Your Stage 14 winner, Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY)	Chris Froome post-race: “I’m really happy with the victory today. It’s a big boost in morale after what’s been a tough start to the Giro for the team and me but, being realistic, I’m still three minutes down. There are really strong riders here. Simon [Yates] has done a really amazing ride. In the last kilometre, I thought he was going to catch me – he’s got more of a kick than me – so having resisted [him] makes it a special victory. I want to thank everyone who supported us through this hard part of the race and kept the morale high. It never crossed my mind to retire from the race. It’ll remain as a memorable victory atop Zoncolan, which is one of the most iconic climbs here in Italy. Knowing the climb helped me. The fans have been fantastic. Grazie mille to all the tifosi, they make the race what it is.”
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) extends his overall lead to 1:24 over Tom Dumoulin	The Maglia Rosa, Simon Yates post-race: “I’m happy and not happy. I really tried for the stage win. I just couldn‘t get Chris in the final, but any time I could get on the other rivals is good for me. As expected, the gaps aren’t massive. I’m still happy with the gap to Tom [Dumoulin] and the rest of the guys behind. I wasn’t more nervous than the other days, as much as I am sure that Tom is confident ahead of time trials. I couldn’t follow Froome – he went at a really good moment. He put in a really strong acceleration. It was still a long way to go. I rode my own tempo at that moment – he didn’t get a huge gap. I tried to bridge but that’s ok. I did the best I could.”

Stage 15:  Tolmezzo → Sappada, 176 km  Full Results and Report

Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/Bahrain - Merida) got an extra boost from his partner prior to Stage 15 in Tolmezzo	Happy couple	Chris Froome was presented a cake this morning to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Judging by his result today, he feels a year older after winning Zoncolan yesterday.
Our new best young rider, Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA)
	Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), strolls in town	Start scene for Stage 15 in Tolmezzo
		Dolomites scenery
Dolomites scenery
	17 km to go: Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) attacks the GC group. Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) trying to go with him. The lack of cooperation helped Yates stay away.
		Tom Dumoulin (NED/Sunweb) leading the chase before the other riders attacked him
12 km to go: Aerial view of the tricky descent with Simon Yates and the chase in the same frame	Not only did Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) bold attack succeed, but there was no else was in picture when he crossed the line in Sappada. Yates is the first rider to win three stages with the Maglia Rosa since Gilberto Simoni in 2003. Eddy Merckx and Marco Pantani are the only other riders to accomplish the same feat.	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT): “Yesterday it was extremely difficult and today was the same. I knew everybody would be tired today. I was also really tired but, at the same time, I was very motivated to take as much time as I could on Tom [Dumoulin] before the time trial. I rode with passion. I gave everything, knowing that everyone would finish empty. I came to the Giro to win the race but I didn’t expect to win three stages. It’s a magnificent achievement. I’m lost for words. I couldn’t imagine this. But I don’t know if the advantage I have now is enough to win the Giro. I’m not sure if I’m the favourite or not.”
	2nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 41s, 3rd Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB), 4th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 5th Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR), 6th Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ)
7th Alexandre GENIEZ (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 1:20, 8th Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE), 9th Pello BILBAO LOPEZ DE ARMENTIA (ESP/ASTANA), 10th Sam OOMEN (NED/SUNWEB), 11th Sébastien REICHENBACH (SUI/GROUPAMA - FDJ), 12th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), 13th Patrick KONRAD (AUT/BORA - HANSGROHE), 14th George BENNETT (NZL/LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 15th Ben O'CONNOR (AUS/DIMENSION DATA), 16th Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING)	It wasn't a good day for the birthday boy, 17th Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 1:32	Another bad day for Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) who lost another 19 minutes
Your Stage 15 winner and race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) will take a 2:11 lead over Tom Dumoulin into the 3rd rest day. He'll need that advantage before Tueday's TT.	KOM leader too
2nd today and best young rider overall, Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Stage 16:  Trento → Rovereto, 34.2 km  Full Results and Report

The start scene for the flat 34.2 km TT in Trento	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) warming up for the Stage 16 ITT in Trento	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING)
Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) on his way to winning the 34.2 km Stage 16 ITT	The overhead clock wasn't quite right, but Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING) crossed in a new best time of 40 minutes flat	Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING): “I was hoping to take more time out of some of the climbers but the stage win surpasses that target. I wanted two time-trial victories in the Giro but I missed out in Jerusalem so I settled for the Maglia Rosa for a few days. I never considered taking it easy after I lost the Maglia Rosa. I still target the top 10. So far I’ve been happy with my performances at the Giro. Anybody in the top 10 now is a threat and, if I have a bad day, it’s also a threat to my top 10.”
Tony MARTIN (GER/KATUSHA ALPECIN) set an early best time of 40:14	Tony MARTIN (GER/KATUSHA ALPECIN) ended up 2nd + 14s	Pre-stage favorite, Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) out on course which he described as not technical enough
Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) looking good as always on a TT bike	The GC battle has taken its toll. 3rd Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 22s who only cut 1:15 into Yates' race lead	4th Jos VAN EMDEN (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 27s
Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) pre-stage 16	5th Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 35s	Most surprisingly good result: 7th Chad HAGA (USA/SUNWEB) + 47s
He would have had the most surprising result if not for a 20s penalty for drafting. 8th Fabio ARU (ITA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 57s		Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) dialing in his pre-race mix
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) lost in thought	On the rivet today, race leader Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT)	Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) was respectable today
Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) getting the boost of riding in the leader's jersey on his way to finishing 20th + 1:37	Decent ride by Domenico POZZOVIVO (BAHRAIN - MERIDA) 32nd + 2:20 who is 3rd overall + 3:11 with mountain opportunities ahead	This way to get your 12th Pink Jersey
Your Stage 16 winner, Rohan DENNIS (AUS/BMC RACING)	Race leader Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) was pleased with how things turned out today: “For long time trials, this is definitely the best I’ve ever done. I’ve had better placings but in short time trials or prologues that suited my characteristics. I’m very happy with the outcome today. I did have time checks. On a course like that, it didn’t change anything in my pacing but I liked to know where I am compared to my rivals. I don’t feel very fresh at this stage of the Giro; I feel pretty tired and there are very difficult stages to come. I’ll have to defend instead of attacking. Anybody within 10 minutes is still dangerous. In the Giro, a lot of strange things happen. Hopefully, I’ll have no bad days until we reach Rome. I have a very good team to support me until the very final of the climbs.”

Stage 17:  Riva del Garda → Iseo, 155 km  Full Results and Report

Start scene for Stage 17 at Riva del Garda		The race leader with the UCI President, Italian cycling's president and the RCS race director
Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) signing in	Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) and other stage winners thus far were presented with photos of their wins	Tom Dumoulin signing in
A poor TT result on Stage 16 has left Thibaut PINOT (GROUPAMA - FDJ) glum	Start scene for Stage 17 at Riva del Garda
	Lake Garda in the background as we leave one lake for several others	An unclassified climb at the start of today's stage
	Zdenek STYBAR (CZE / Team Quick - Step Floors)	Tony MARTIN (Germany / Team Katusha - Alpecin)
A picturesque small lake at the halfway point of the stage, Lake Vesta	Lake Vesta	Lake Vesta
Lake Vesta		BORA - HANSGROHE did a lot of work at the front of the chase to keep the break from staying away until the end
	An isolated rain shower at the finish didn't get in the way of another Quick-Step Floors win	Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins Stage 17 in 3:19:57 ahead of 2nd Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE), 3rd Niccolo BONIFAZIO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) and 4th Danny VAN POPPEL (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)
Four stages for Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)... the last Italian sprinter to win four stages in a single Giro was Alessandro Petacchi in 2005.
Your Stage 17 winner, Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)	Elia Viviani, said: “My 10th win of the season and my fourth at the Giro d’Italia confirms the level I’ve reached since I joined Quick Step. I’ve only doubted myself at Imola where I had a bad day, but I came here with a very well-prepared team that was built to help me win stages. In addition to these victories, the Maglia Ciclamino was – and remains – my main goal of the season. I was pretty nervous this morning because I knew this was a unique occasion for Sam Bennett to take the jersey away from me. Therefore, we opted for a defensive tactic – firstly to make it back to the back after being dropped in a climb, secondly in the lead-up to the sprint. Eventually, my lead-out men could play their normal role, especially Fabio Sabatini who had a flat tyre before my second win in Eilat and a mechanical before my third win in Nervesa della Battaglia. He made the difference in the sprint today.”	12th Pink Jersey for Simon Yates, who said: “I was expecting a much easier day today. It’s been a very fast stage. Everybody was looking for a breakaway. There were also candidates for a sprint finish. We didn’t make the race difficult but other teams did because they were never happy with the composition of the breakaways. We were happy for the breakaways to stay away but other teams were not, so it came down to a sprint. In the coming three days, I’ll watch Tom [Dumoulin] mostly and the other GC guys. I’m getting closer to the end. As the days tick down, I feel that I’m getting closer to the overall victory but I also feel that difficult days are coming so I’ll be careful. Tomorrow is the only day that I know the final climb but I expect a breakaway to finally succeed.”

Stage 18:  Abbiategrasso → Prato Nevoso, 196 km  Full Results and Report

Worth fighting three weeks for	His confidence is building after another solid result today; Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) said post-race "As everyone knows, my goal is to defend my third place overall but perhaps also try for something extra, including a stage win. I'm looking forward to the big mountain stages. I'm not sure if everyone else is." (cyclingnews.com)
Our race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) finally showed some cracks today	Yesterday's winner, Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)	Chris Froome
Stage 18 start scene in Abbiategrasso		The rollout from Abbiategrasso
Getting ready to officially start the race outside of the town		The break
Final 3 km of the 13 km climb to Pratonevoso	Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) and Mattia CATTANEO (ITA/ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI - SIDERMEC) well in front of the peloton on the final climb	In the peloton 11 minutes back, Tom Dumoulin setting a pace that would drop the race leader, Simon Yates
Ruben PLAZA (ESP/ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY) yoyo'ed off and on the back the lead group
		Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins Stage 18 in 4:55:42 ahead of 2nd Ruben PLAZA (ESP/ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY) + 10s and 3rd Mattia CATTANEO (ITA/ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI - SIDERMEC) + 16s
The finish scene at Pratonevoso
Wouter - Wout POELS (Netherlands / Team Sky) and Christopher - Chris FROOME (GBR / Team Sky) extending the gap to race leader Simon Yates with Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) in tow	Top GC finishers: 12th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 11:03, 13th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB), 14th Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY), 15th Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 11:07	Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) charging to the line. His confidence is building. He sits 3rd overall + 2:43 with two difficult mountain stages remaining. Don't count him out especially for a stage win.
	Race leader, Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) lost time for the first time in this Giro to his GC contenders	16th Patrick KONRAD (AUT/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 11:23, 17th Pello BILBAO LOPEZ DE ARMENTIA (ESP/ASTANA) and 18th Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR)
19th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) + 11:31, 20th Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), 21st Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE)	Defending champion and 2nd overall, Tom DUMOULIN (Netherlands / Team Sunweb), post stage 18 after gaining 28s on Simon Yates. 28 seconds is the closest gap between the leader and the runner-up in the overall rankings after stage 18 since Denis Menchov led the 2009 Giro d’Italia by 26 seconds over Danilo Di Luca.	Tom Dumoulin, 'That's nice, finally a moment of weakness [in the race leader, Simon Yates]'
Not that his team needed another win, your stage 18 winner, Maximilian SCHACHMANN (GER/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) after his first Grand Tour win: “We knew it was probably going to be a good day for a breakaway, although so far none had worked. The first nine attackers went pretty early. I have to say a big thank you to Michael Morkov who took me on his wheel to jump as the last two riders to reach the front group. I knew I had quite good legs, so I tried to bring home the victory in a safe way. I tried to keep energy for the last few meters before the finish line. I knew the last 2km would be fine for me. I didn’t panic when [Ruben] Plaza came across. He’s an experienced rider but I believed he’d be dropped again. With this victory, I’m already pretty close to the top of world cycling. It’s the most enjoyable part of my career but I know it’ll be harder in the future.”	The Maglia Rosa, Simon Yates, said: “Today it was an explosive big effort, which is not my forte. After Tom Dumoulin’s first acceleration, I looked at him to see how he was. When he went the second time, I couldn’t close the gap. I was tired. But I’m ok with it. I have no regret to have spent a lot of energy earlier in the Giro because this is what I needed to do. If I didn’t race so aggressively before, I would be behind Dumoulin. I collected almost 50 seconds in time bonuses – that’s more than my overall lead now. I only felt bad for one kilometre today. I’m still in the lead and the coming two mountain stages suit me much more than today’s.”

Stage 19:  Venaria Reale → Bardonecchia, 184 km  Full Results and Report

The calm before the storm as Trofeo Senza Fine waits for the riders to it fight out	The scene for the Stage 19 start in Venaria Reale	Chris Froome arrives for Stage 19
Race leader, Simon Yates, signs in for his last day in Pink. He finished 38:51 behind Chris Froome dropping him from 1st to 18th on GC.	The rollout for eventful Stage 19
		80 km to go: After Team Sky set a torrid pace, Chris Froome attacks
No one was able to respond	Chris Froome leading on Colle delle Finestre with the GC contenders on the next switchback down the hill	Chris Froome was banking everything on this bold attack
	Tom Dumoulin leading the remnants of the GC group
	The scene at the top of Colle delle Finestre
This is why a Grand Tour is three weeks. Simon Yates looked great for 18 stages but he was cracked by the early Team Sky attack and finished 78th, 38:51 behind Chris Froome dropping him from 1st to 18th on GC.	Chris Froome continued to stretch out his lead on the flat run to the final climb.	Bardonecchia, host of the winter Olympics many years ago, with the final climb to Jafferau in the background
Chris Froome urged on by the tifosi on the final climb		Tom Dumoulin and the GC group over 3 minutes back
After 70 km on his own, Chris Froome conceded little to the chase on the final climb		Chris Froome wins Stage 19 in style
		2nd Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR) + 3:00
3rd Thibaut PINOT (FRA/GROUPAMA - FDJ) + 3:07	5th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 3:23	79th Simon YATES (GBR/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) + 38:51
The stage winner and Maglia Rosa Chris Froome said: “I’ve had difficult moments in the Giro so I had to try something crazy. We took this tactical decision last night together with our nutritionists because there was a need for a good fuelling strategy for that and for how the guys would execute the orders. There were a lot of big attacks in the early part of the race. My team made a strong pace on the Finestre to set up the situation for me. It’s great to ride like this. That’s what bike racing is all about. If I was just gonna wait for the final climb, I would not have put three minutes on the Maglia Rosa. I knew the Finestre really well since I had a training camp in the area last year. I knew how to pace myself correctly. It was also a calculated risk. If there was not a big group behind me and other teams didn’t have domestiques, the GC riders had to make the same efforts as me. I was getting time checks from the motorbikes and via radio. I was 20 seconds from the Maglia Rosa for a long time. What I didn’t know was whether Tom Dumoulin still had good legs but I got the feeling that everyone was at the limit. It was raw bike racing.”	Chris Froome (Sky) will take a 40s lead into the final mountain stage

Stage 20:  Susa → Cervinia, 214 km  Full Results and Report

Lots of people wanted autographs and photos with the new race leader, Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY), at the Stage 20 start in Susa	Froome greets Viviani
Great Britain pass off: The previous race leader and the new one, Simon YATES (MITCHELTON - SCOTT) and Chris FROOME (SKY)	The rollout for Stage 20 from Susa
		Astana pace setting on the penultimate climb
Thibaut Pinot (FRA/Groupama - FDJ) cracked today due to illness. He is doubtful to start tomorrow.	Final climb, Carlos Betancur (COL/Movistar) setting pace for Richard Carapaz (ECU/Movistar)	Mikel Nieve (ESP/Mitchelton - Scott) attacked off the break on the penultimate climb and soloed to the finish at Cervinia
Team Sky keeping the pace high		Tom Dumoulin (NED/Team Sunweb) attacked several times but Chris Froome (GBR/Sky) easily brought him back
	Chris Froome counter-attacked and dropped Tom Dumoulin	Tom Dumoulin clawing his way back on
Altogether again near the finish		Tom Dumoulin setting pace near the finish
Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) wins Stage 20, his third career epic mountain stage win at the Giro		Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT) crosses the line with the Matterhorn in the background
Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner Mikel Nieve said: “After what happened yesterday, it was very important for our team to make it up with a stage victory. Five stage wins are a lot! I couldn't have dreamt of a better birthday.”	Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT), loves the tough 3rd week stages. This is the 5th stage win of the race for MITCHELTON - SCOTT making the race a success despite their two GC contenders falling dramatically out of contention.	2nd Robert GESINK (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 2:17
3rd Felix GROSSSCHARTNER (AUT/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 2:42	6th Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 6:03 and 7th Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) celebrate the overall win
8th Davide FORMOLO (ITA/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 6:03, 9th Domenico POZZOVIVO (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 10th Richard CARAPAZ (ECU/MOVISTAR), 11th Sam OOMEN (NED/SUNWEB), 12th Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA), 13th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 6:09	13th Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 6:09	"The course was so much harder this year" said defending champion Tom Dumoulin post-race and says he's proud of 2nd this year
Tom Dumoulin post-race: "We did everything we could and there was nothing more we could do"	After losing his podium spot and finishing well back, Thibaut Pinot went to hospital to deal with a fever and dehydration. He is doubtful for ceremonial stage 21 in Rome.	Your Stage 20 winner, Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/MITCHELTON - SCOTT): “It’s hard to say which one of my three victories at the Giro is the best. The first one [in 2011 at Gardeccia] was an extremely hard race but today being my birthday, it’s a very special one. We wanted to make it up after the sadness of yesterday [with Simon Yates losing ground]. It was a good stage for me. Roman Kreuziger came with me in the breakaway and paved the way for my victory. I realised straight away that there were other climbers in the front group. We had to make the race hard. Cervinia has some hard sections but also easy ones, so it was better to go solo before. I don’t often have the opportunity to break away for myself. I’m delighted to get the feeling of winning again.”
The Maglia Rosa Chris Froome said: “The whole Giro has been brutal and today again, Tom [Dumoulin] didn’t give up. He kept fighting. He attacked several times. Luckily, I was able to follow but it has made it an exciting racing again. I’ve got nothing but respect for all my rivals. They fought until I got to this point of keeping the Maglia Rosa at the top of the last mountain. I feel sorry for Simon [Yates] yesterday and today it was [Thibaut] Pinot struggling, that’s why Astana rode so hard. We still need to get to the finishing line in Rome. After that, I’ll start thinking of my achievement but there’s no bigger goal for a Grand Tour rider than winning three in a row.”	The best young rider will be 3rd overall Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) + 4:57

Stage 21:  Rome → Rome, 115 km  Full Results and Report

Trofeo Senza Fine arrives for the final stage in Rome	Alberto Contador, The Rome mayor, Race director Mauro Vegni and Ivan Basso	Overall winner Chris Froome arrives to great fanfare for the final stage in Rome
The media or VID ?
Signing in for one final day	Simon Yates was in good spirits. He should be. He won three stages and held the pink jersey for 13 days... most by any rider who didn’t go on to win the Giro, since Francesco Moser in 1977 according to @irishpeloton	You can bet Alberto Contador misses racing
11th overall Alexandre GENIEZ (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 17:30 signs in with his daughter	Froome, Contador and Viviani for one last pre-race photo-op
The rollout for Rome circuits	Team Sky toast another Grand Tour win	Passing by the Colosseum, but the fight is over
	Ten laps of a 11.5km circuit on the streets in the centre of Rome
		Tom Dumoulin and Chris Froome chatting on the cobbles
	Colossal sprint finish finale to Giro d'Italia 2018 in Rome	Rough/cobbled, slightly uphill sprint finish in Rome...
Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE) handled the bumpy finish best winning Stage 21 in 2:50:49 ahead of 2nd Elia VIVIANI (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) and 3rd Jean-Pierre DRUCKER (LUX/BMC RACING)		Team Sky (less Vasil Kiryienka lost on Stage 19) cross the finish line for a their third straight Grand Tour win
		Your Stage 21 winner, Sam BENNETT (IRL/BORA - HANSGROHE)
The stage winner Sam Bennett said: “Quick-Step made the race hard very early and it was super fast. In the middle of the Giro, I’d say I could win in Roma but when I woke up this morning, I had such bad legs that I didn’t imagine myself winning today. However, with the winner’s mentality, you always want more and I couldn’t let my team-mates down. I kept positioning myself from 2km to go. A few people wanted Viviani’s wheel. It was a super fast finale. I knew Viviani could have a second kick so I sprinted as late as possible. Three stage wins makes me very happy but I’d also like to win a classic and Milano-Sanremo is the only one.”	Alberto Contador presents Chris Froome with winner's trophy. Froome is the first British rider to hoist Trofeo Senza Fine.
	Your overall podium: 2nd Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 46s, 1st Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) 89:02:39 and 3rd/Best Young Rider, Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 4:57	Your overall podium: 2nd Tom DUMOULIN (NED/SUNWEB) + 46s, 1st Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) 89:02:39 and 3rd/Best Young Rider, Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 4:57
		Thumbs up at the Colosseum; The Giro d'Italia winner Chris Froome said: “After we started racing on the circuit, many riders came to me to find a solution to make the race safer. It’s been a fantastic event. It still came down to a bunch sprint with Sam Bennett and Elia [Viviani] fighting, that’s what everyone wanted to see this evening. The atmosphere was fantastic, you could see how much it meant for the fans to have the Giro finishing in Rome. A week ago, I didn’t believe that I’d be here in the Maglia Rosa. To recover more than three minutes, it had been done before but it seemed unlikely. Stage 19 with the Colle delle Finestre was the moment the race turned around for me. This is in my mind what bike racing is about. I’d like to dedicate this victory to my wife and the daughter we’re expecting at the beginning of August.”
	Rome wasn't conquered in a day