Igor Arrieta takes top-5 on stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia

UAE Team Emirates-XRG delivered a solid performance on Stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia, with Igor Arrieta finishing an impressive fourth place on the mountainous route from Castel di Sangro to Tagliacozzo. The 168-kilometer stage featured a an undulating route which saw a strong and numerous group of twenty riders get up the road.

The stage victory went to Luke Plapp (Jayco–AlUla), who attacked from the breakaway and held off the chasers to claim a well-earned win.

Igor Arrieta, the designated man for the break of the day, narrowly missing the podium with his fourth-place finish. It’s a fine result for the Grand Tour debutant who took his opportunity with both hands:

Arrieta: “ I gave it everything in the end today but it was not to be. It was a question of survival at the end. My role was to cover any big moves and when we saw such a big group go up the road the call was made to be present. As it became clear the group could arrive to the line I focussed on going for the stage win but unfortunately was just missing the legs.”

Behind him, Juan Ayuso showed his GC intent by accelerating from the reduced group of favorites near the line, crossing the line ahead of his overall rivals and gaining a valuable second in the general classification.

With Ayuso now edging closer to the lead and the team firing on all cylinders, UAE Team Emirates-XRG remain a major force as the race heads into its second week. Ayuso also continues to hold the white jersey and UAE continue to lead the teams classification.

Ayuso : “Tomorrow will be a critical day with the gravel sections. It’s a day when you can have bad luck in the wrong moment and it can knock the GC plans back a lot. So we’ll aim to be at the front and stay out of trouble. I think we are the strongest team in the race and I feel lucky to have such great teammates around me.”

Stage 7 results

1.Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) 4:44:20

2.Wilco Kelderman (Visma-Lease A Bike) +38”

3.Diego Ulissi (XDS-Astana) s.t

4.Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +1’22”

General Classification after stage 7

1.Diego Ulissi (XDS-Astana) 29:21:23

2.Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS-Astana) +12”

3.Primoz Roglic (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe) +17”

4.Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) +20”