The 17th Stage of the Giro d’Italia (May 23) saw something of an extreme mountain battle over the 186km from Falzes to Cortina d’Ampezzo which saw the field stripped back to a handful of lead riders including Ivan Basso (Liquigas), Michele Scarponi (Lampre), Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda), Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago), Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) and Rigoberto Urán (Sky). Urán ultimately produced one of the most impressive rides of his career fighting his way into the elite six man group on the notorious Passo Giau climb before battling back after being dropped almost in sight of the summit to take fourth place and the white Young Rider’s jersey in the process – a performance that seems him now sitting fifth in the overall standings.
Katusha’s Joaquim Rodríguez took the day win in 5h 24′ 41″, with Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) in second and third respectively on the same times. Going into today’s flat 18th Stage – 149km between San Vito Di Cadore and Vedelago – Rodríguez leads the overall standings with an accumulated time of 74h 46′ 46″.
