Rome, May 23 (BNA): Geraint Thomas cemented his bid to become the ultimate Giro d’Italia winner by switching back to the leader’s pink jersey on Tuesday as the race got underway at the start of a dramatic and decisive final week in Rome. Dolomites, AP Reports.
Joao Almeida won the challenging 16th stage atop Monte Bondone to take his first victory in a Grand Tour. The Portuguese cyclist crossed the summit finish ahead of Thomas, who also gained valuable bonus seconds.
Primo Roglic was third, 25 seconds behind. The result saw Thomas return to the lead, 18 seconds ahead of Almeida and 29 seconds ahead of Roglic.
Thomas turns 37 on Thursday, three days before the race finishes in Rome. The oldest Giro winner is Fiorenzo Magni, who was 34 years old when he won in 1955.
Tuesday marked the start of a grueling final week. It was one of three of the last six stages rated at the maximum difficulty of five stars.
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