The climb through Italy, via the east of the country, continues. Yesterday, the riders finally had a rest day, ideal to rest the organisms before a new week of competition. This stage between Pescara and Jesi was divided in a first flat part where we saw a breakaway of 3 riders who managed to gain up to 6 minutes of advantage on the peloton. These 3 men were caught again with 20km to go in the second part of the stage where there were six small climbs with very steep sections.
Tomorrow, one of the longest stages of the Giro
Today, for the Cofidis team, the most important thing was to protect Guillaume Martin. After a great weekend, the Normandy rider wanted to keep his 6th place in the general classification, the result of so many efforts during the weekend. Well supported by the whole team, especially with the help of Davide Villella in the last 15 kilometers, he held his position and managed to reach the finish line without any major problems.
In the final, the pace increased again first with the Alpecin-Fenix team at the front, and then on the last 11% climb of the Monsanto, where the main sprinters could not keep up with the pace and various attacks. Guillaume was 20th in a stage won by Biniam Girmay.
However, tomorrow's stage will require some patience. With 200 km (203 km) between Santarcangelo di Romagna and Reggio Emilia, the peloton will pass through towns and villages that were affected by the earthquake in Emilia Romagna in 2012. This will be a stage without any difficulties that should end with a sprint. Simone Consonni and Davide Cimolai will have the opportunity to try their luck.
