Nairo Quintana makes history with Giro d’Italia win


The Movistar rider has been in the pink jersey since stage 16 and the final 172 kilometres gave him the chance to celebrate a maiden grand tour title, with Giant Shimano’s Luka Mezgec taking stage victory with a late sprint.

Quintana’s consistency throughout the race kept him in contention throughout the four weeks of the tour, but it was the victory from Ponte di Legno to Martelltal that put the Colombian at the top of the standings.

His overall lead was cut slightly on Sunday as compatriot Rigoberto Uran finished two minutes 58 seconds behind, with Astana’s Fabio Aru in third.

A sedate route began in Gemona del Friuli and took a while to burst into life as the peloton stuck together until the final 54 kilometres, with the general classification riders leaving the final stage to the sprinters.

Svein Tuft (Orica-GreenEdge) made the first break from the peloton in the opening lap around the finishing city and together with Lars Bak (Lotto-Belisol) moved 36 seconds clear of the pack.

The lead changed hands on numerous occasions during the city circuit but points leader Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) remained in touch, and claimed the red jersey with a fourth-place finish as Mezgec timed his finish perfectly.

As well as the pink jersey Quintana also took the young classification title, while Julian Arredondo (Trek) secured the king of the mountains.

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