Top-10 for Gaviria but Almeida ruled-out

Fernando Gaviria took 9th place on stage 18 of the Giro D’Italia from Borgo Valsugana to Treviso (156km).

The day started on a disappointing note with the news that Joao Almeida had tested positive for Covid-19 after feeling unwell overnight. The Portuguese captain who sat in 4th place overall and wore the white jersey as best young rider was forced to withdraw from the race.

In his absence Gaviria was called upon for a sprint, though a strong performance from a four-man breakaway would see the chances of all the sprinters dashed. Belgian Dries De Bondt (Alpecin-Fenix) would take the stage with Gaviria among the main sprinters 14’’ behind.

Gaviria: “Today we had the tough news that Joao would not start but we set out motivated to aim for the win. A strong break went away and we worked hard to bring them back. The pace was high but we struggled to control it in the peloton. It’s a pity to come away empty handed but days like this can happen in cycling. ”

The race continues tomorrow on Stage 19 with another mountainous day from Marano Lagunare to Santuario di Castelmonte (178km).

 
Stage 18 results

1.Dries De Bondt (Alpecin-Fenix) 3:21:21
2.Eduardo Affini (Jumbo-Visma) s.t
3.Magnus Cort (Education-First) s.t
9.Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) +14’’

 
General Classification after stage 18

1.Richard Carapaz (Ineos-Grenadiers) 76:41:15
Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) +3’’
3. Mikel Landa (Bahrain- Victorious) 1’05”