Rodriguez retains pink jersey at Giro, but feels Hesjedal is man to beat in final stretch
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Joaquin Rodriguez won the tough 17th stage of the Giro d’italia on Wednesday to keep his grip on the overall lead.
Rodriguez led a group of Giro favourites over the line in five hours, 24 minutes, 41 seconds, to claim his second stage victory of this year’s race.
Two- time Giro winner Ivan Basso was second, with Ryder Hesjedal third, both with the same time. The Canadian remains 30 seconds behind Rodriguez in the race for the pink jersey, which the Spaniard will wear for a seventh day today.
Rodriguez said Hesjedal is now his main rival for the title.
“Now, I think Ryder Hesjedal is the great favourite,” the Spaniard said. “Today he was able not to lose any seconds, and if the gaps stay like this, Scarponi, Basso and I won’t have any chance against him in the Milan individual time trial. So, we have to attack him and try to make him drop, otherwise he will win this competition for sure.”
Defending champion Michele Scarponi struggled with cramps on the descent from the Passo Giau which looked to prove costly, but he rode powerfully to catch up with the group and finished fifth. He moved up to fourth in the standings, 1: 36 behind Rodriguez.
Rodriguez dedicated the win to Xavi Tondo, a Spanish cyclist who died a year ago to the day in an accident at his home.
Today’s 18th stage is a mainly flat and descending 149- kilometre route from San Vito di Cadore to Vedelago. The Giro ends Sunday in Milan.