APRICA, Italy – Czech Jan Hirt won the difficult 16th stage of the Tour of Italy, his first stage victory in Grand Tours, while Richard Carapaz retained the pink jersey of leader of the Giro, which will conclude in high mountains this week.
Hirt could hardly believe it when he crossed the finish line at the end of the 202-kilometre stage from Salo to Aprica that included one of the toughest climbs in the sport at Mortirolo.
The stage also included two other categorized passes. In all, more than 5000 m of ascent was on the program.
Hirt launched his attack near the top of Santa Cristina Pass. Although he nearly lost control on a descent made dangerous by the rain that fell earlier, the 31-year-old cyclist was able to stay on his bike and finish 10 seconds ahead of Thymen Arensman.
There was a fight for third place and the final bonus seconds between the favourites. Jai Hindley eventually edged out Carapz and Mikel Landa. The quartet which also included Alejandro Valverde crossed the line 1:24 behind Hirt.
Hindley, second in 2020, closed the gap to Carapaz to three seconds. Joao Almeida remains in third place overall, but lost 14 seconds to find himself 44 seconds behind the leader.
Landa ranks fourth. The two-time Giro winner Voncenze Nibali moved up to fifth after an attack on the Passo Mortirolo descent. Although he was overtaken by his rivals, his form suggests that he has some surprises in store for his last Giro.
Wednesday’s 17th stage has almost 4000m of ascent and will be 168km long, between Ponte di Legno and Lavarone. The Tour of Italy will end on Sunday in Verona.
