The break of the day was formed almost immediately after the start in Lovere. On behalf of Team Jumbo-Visma, Koen Bouwman was represented in front, but he was caught on the third climb of the day. Roglic was unable to follow the pace of his fellow favourites on the Mortirolo. He came closer in the descent, but the Slovenian was unable to connect with Carapaz and Nibali. He is now 2.09 behind on the pink jersey.

“It was a tough day, especially with the cold at the end”, Roglic said. “I gave everything on the Mortirolo. Today was an important stage in the battle for the pink jersey, but the Giro is not over yet and anything can happen.”

“Until Nibali attacked, everything looked good”, sports director Addy Engels said. “We heard on the course radio that Primoz was just behind Nibali and Carapaz. From that moment on it was one big fight. First on the Mortirolo, then also on the descent. He rode a good descent. The group with Primoz came closer, which gives you the hope that they can reduce the gap. We tried to have Koen Bouwman ahead in the final, but unfortunately, he could not make it on the Mortirolo. Although Primoz was dropped halfway the Mortirolo, the loss is not too bad. The Giro is not over yet. We have already seen surprising things this Giro and in addition, a time trial is still ahead. We will not give up and keep fighting until the end.”