Yates extends Giro lead

Froome slips further

OSIMO, Italy, May 16, (AFP): Chris Froome’s Giro d’Italia hopes took a killer blow on Wednesday as the Briton lost even more time in the 11th stage won by overall leader Simon Yates.

The 25-year-old Yates extended his advantage as Froome, 32, lost more time and is now nearly three minutes behind his compatriot.

“I certainly haven’t given up hope,” insisted Froome. “I’m going to keep plugging away, I’m motivated, the team’s motivated and we’re going to do as much as we can.”

Yates attacked on the final climb with a kilometre to ride to claim his second stage win this year, finishing two seconds ahead of defending champion Tom Dumoulin.

The Mitchelton-Scott rider extends his lead on Dutchman Dumoulin by a further six seconds to 47sec.

“Tom (Dumoulin) is the one who is worrying me, he’s still too close,” said Yates who is also King of the Mountains.

“He was chasing me and he looked better than other days on steep finishes. He’s getting better as the race goes on.

“The Giro has been in my head since last winter. It’s my objective this year.” Britain’s rider of Team Mitchelton-Scott Simon Yates celebrates after winning the 11th stage between Assisi and

Osimo during the 101st Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race, on May 16. (AFP)