Le-Mével climbs to third overall at Giro
Christophe Le-Mevel (Garmin-Cervélo) climbed into third overall at the Giro d’Italia after another superb performance in what was the first major summit finish in this year’s race.
Le-Mével rose to the challenge of the two-climb ascent of Europe’s most active volcano and crossed the line 11th on the stage and nudged up to third overall as the Giro heads into its first of two rest days Monday. Spanish rider Alberto Contador attacked with about six kilometers to go on the final climb up Etna, which erupted earlier this week to leave a thin layer of dust on the road.
Crews worked hard for 48 hours to clear the roads and make it safe for the spectacular stage set among lava fields and craters. Contador won the stage and claimed the leader’s jersey. Le-Mével rode well to stay with the lead group of GC riders and crossed the line at 1:07 back. The Frenchman climbed into third overall at 1:19 in an excellent performance.
The Giro resumes Tuesday with the relatively easy 159km 10th stage from Termoli to Teramo long Italy’s Adriatic coast in a stage well-suited for the sprinters.
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