LottoNL-Jumbo rider Steven Kruijswijk remains fourth overall in the Giro d’Italia after a long mountain stage to Sestola. Kruijswijk has the same time as Alejandro Valverde at 50 seconds behind the new leader Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quickstep). Giulio Ciccone (Bardiani - CSF pro team) won the stage.

The 219-kilometer stage kicked off quickly. Breakaway attempts followed each other in rapid tempo. A large group of riders couldn’t follow. GC-rider Mikel Landa (Team Sky) had to abandon the race. At the front three riders broke away. Later joined by 11 other riders. The peloton was led by the team of leader Gianluca Brambilla. LottoNL-Jumbo leader Steven Kruijswijk was surrounded well by his team.

Trust

"Steven Kruijswijk made another step today," Sports Director Addy Engels said. "It was in line with our expectations, but after a rest day it is always exciting. Everyone reacts differently. Steven did what he had to do. We can follow up with that. The team has done very well and we are satisfied. They help each other and by doing so their captain Steven. You can see that they have confidence in their performance. "

Kruijswijk rode with the group of favourites on the final climbs. On the penultimate climb, the Plan del Falco, leader Brambilla fell behind the lead group.

Good feeling

"I stayed in the group when Brambilla was dropped" Kruijswijk said. "I saw that Jungels was good and I know Brambilla is a good descender. So I chose not to waist any energy. I felt good on that steep climb, but did not really see a chance to attack. In the final sprint, I lost some metres on Valverde but that’s OK. I am happy with my form and the team. They are focused and I can see that well in the race. They are always there for me.”

Nevertheless, on the descent of the Plan del Falco it almost went wrong for Kruijswijk. His rear wheel blocked just before a hairpin, but he prevented a crash at the last minute.

Shock

"That was a shock," said Kruijswijk. "I made a mistake. I misjudged a corner. My rear wheel blocked. Fortunately, Majka was there and caught me. I apologised later. Majka also understood that I did not do it on purpose. But it was quite a shock.”

Tomorrow is a mainly flat, but long stage to Asolo. The peloton has to cover a distance of 227 kilometres.

“The final will be a moment to watch," Kruijswijk continued. "There is still a climb 20 kilometres from the finish. I'll have to be at the front there. Maybe tomorrow Battaglin can do something and can go for the victory.”