Udine – The challenging Friulian stage of the Giro d’Italia, 157 kilometres, the 19th of the cycling race, was won by Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon AG2R).
The gap totaled by Vendrame over the pink jersey group, made up of Tadej Pogacar and the other riders at the top of the classification, was 16 minutes.
Geraint Thomas, 6 kilometers from the finish line, fell. Pogacar took the lead of the group by reducing the pace and allowing Thomas, but also Fortunato and Quintana who had lost ground, to rejoin easily.
Path
The route in the region began by going up the Tagliamento valley, touching San Daniele del Friuli, Forgaria nel Friuli and Peonis.
After Tolmezzo the succession of climbs that led to the arrival began: Passo Duron, Sella Valcalda and Cima Sappada.
The winner’s comment
“I’m a bit crazy, they call me Joker, I attacked on the descent and it went well, I kept a regular pace and arrived alone at the finish line”: Andrea Vendrame, 29 years old, from Conegliano, spoke to Rai Sport commented on his stage victory at the Giro d’Italia after a 30 kilometer breakaway.
“There are many emotions, because we are close to my home, so I was even more interested in doing well. Today I wanted to because I was almost home.”
