Geraint takes a back seat in sprint finish

IT was the same again for the general classification contenders at the Giro d’Italia as stage seven from Castroviillari ended in a crazy sprint finish around the narrow and twisting streets of Alberobello.

Geraint Thomas and the other contenders to wear the pink leader’s jersey into Milan later this month eased off in the final kilometre and let the fast-men bang shoulders and handlebars during a thrilling dash for the line at the end of the 224km leg.

Caleb Ewan (Orica-Scott) edged out Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors), the Colombian who has already won two stages, and Ireland’s Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe). There was any change in the overall standings with Quick-Step’s Luxembourg star Bob Jungels keeping the Maglia Rosa. He leads Welsh star Geraint Thomas by six seconds with British climber Adam Yates third at 10 seconds.

A two-man breakaway survived for more than 200km with Giuseppe Fonzi (Wilier Trestina) and Dimitri Kozonchuk (Gazprom-Rusvelo) being caught with 18km remaining.

Ewan crucially dived into a tight bend near the finish first and it was his bravery that gave him enough of a gap to keep the fast-finishing Gaviria and Bennett at bay.

“It was a really close sprint. I had to do some work with 3km to go so I was a little tired for the sprint but Luka Mezgec did a great lead out, so it was perfect,” beamed the Australian.

“It’s been a little bit difficult for us in the first part of the Giro d’Italia. I came close and guys worked really hard, so I’m happy to finally win.”

Gaviria said: “I think we made a mistake in the finale but Caleb was stronger. He deserved to win because I was unlucky and didn’t have the legs.”

Sam Bennett said: “It was pretty hectic and it was sketchy. There was a lot of shouldering but we didn’t do anything wrong.”