OVERALL LEADER Joaquim Rodriguez outsprinted a group of six riders to win the mountainous 17th stage of the Giro d’Italia today.
Rodriguez (Katusha) finished the 187-kilometre route from Falzes to Cortina d’Ampezzo in five hours, 24 minutes and 41 seconds.
The Spaniard crossed the line ahead of two-time Giro winner Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale) of Italy and Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda).
Colombian Rigoberto Uran (Team Sky), defending champion Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) and stage eight winner Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF Bardiani) rounded out the top six. It was Rodriguez’s second stage win in this year’s Giro following his triumph on the 10th stage.
Rodriguez leads Hesjedal by 30 seconds in the overall standings while Basso is a further 52 seconds adrift in third. The 18th stage takes place over 149 kilometres from San Vito di Cadore to Vedelago tomorrow.
