Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Steven Kruijswijk took the Giro d'Italia’s famed pink jersey after tough fight through the Dolomites today. The 28-year-old rider finished second in the queen stage behind Esteban Chaves (Team Orica – GreenEDGE) and moved into the lead by 41 seconds on Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and 1’32" on Chaves.

The day started well for Team LottoNL-Jumbo. After an hour, a leading group formed with 36 riders, including Twan Castelijns and Primoz Roglic. The group thinned out on the first two climbs. A strong leading group with climbers gained nine minutes while Kruijswijk stayed with the classification riders. On the Passo Giau, team Astana went full-throttle to close down the lead. Kruijswijk managed well and attacked Nibali on the following climb. 

Right timing

"If I'm honest, we did not think this was the most ideal day to attack,” said Sports Director Addy Engels. "But everyone suffered and lost a lot of energy. Steven saw that and he anticipated, attacking at the right moment.

"The team worked well for him. Twan Castelijns and Primoz Roglic were in the break. We lost Castelijns, but Roglic was only caught on the Passo Giau. Enrico Battaglin rode strongly, too. He supported Kruijswijk the whole day. He kept him out the wind, and brought him food and drinks. So we are very pleased with how the team is performing and how the guys work for each other."

Pink jersey

"All day, I felt very well," said Steven Kruijswijk. "I knew that after yesterday that this stage would be good for me. In the end, I could attack. I still power in my legs. Chaves joined and we worked well together, but I also knew that he would be the man to beat for the stage win. He also wanted to grab more time on the other classification riders and I was going for the pink jersey. It worked out well and I am very happy that I have it now!"

Tomorrow, the Giro d'Italia continues with a 10.8-kilometre time trial up Alpe de Siusi.

"It's the third day in the mountains and I am confident that I will be good in the time trial," said Kruijswijk. “An uphill time trial is different from one on the flat, but I feel good."

"Steven now rides with the best in the mountains," Addy Engels added. "Everyone was on the limit today and Steven has the pink. He was also fast in the other time trial a week ago. I am confident that he will do a good time trial."