The third stage of the Giro d´Italia was marked by heavy cross-wind, which made the race really hard. But Sprinter Rudi Selig showed his sprinter skills and takes a stron second place at today´s stage in Cagliari.
Stage 3 was the last stage on Sardinia before the peloton travel to Sicilia. The stage was earmarked for the sprinters in the peloton, because the 148km stage was totally flat. The weather played an important role at today´s stage due to corss-winds.
Right from the start the pace was high and after some kilometers of racing a group of 4 riders went up the road. They built soon a gap of more than 2 minutes to the peloton. Lotto – Soudal worked hard in front of the main bunch to protect their Maglia Rosa. The team of BORA – hansgrohe rode together safely in the peloton to save the energy for the upcoming finale.
At 20km before the finish the trio was caught by the peloton and everything was set up for the bunch sprint. BORA – hansgrohe stayed in a good position and waited for the last kilometers. The heavy cross-wind made the race pretty hard, but Quick-Step Floors took their chances and turned the race into a team time trail. Sprinter Rudi Selig was able to stay on the wheels of Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors) and went in the first group with another 10 riders, which had a gap of 20 seconds to the main bunch.
The last kilometer Quick- Step Floors raised the pace, due to the heavy cross-wind many riders were dropped but BORA – hansgrohe sprinter Rudi Selig was always in a good position in the first group. Unfortunately, Gaviria was too strong today, he took the win and Rudi finished second place.
Teammate Lukas Pöstlberger is still 3rd in the GC at the 100th Giro d´Italia.
“Sardinia was an amazing trip for BORA – hansgrohe. These three days were incredible for us. The team are in a good flow, work for each other and take every chance. I am really happy about the performance of our team.” – Jens Zemke, sports director
“I had goose bumps on the last final kilometers. I really wanted to get on the podium today so I fought very hard. In the end, Gaviria was too fast but I am more than happy with my second place.” – Rudi Selig
