Giro d'Italia - Primoz Roglic: I gave everything on the Mortirolo
May 29 2019 02:44 am CET
Photo of Primoz Roglic by Jumbo-Visma.
Jumbo-Visma's Primoz Roglic has dropped to the third position of the overall classification of the Giro d'Italia. The rider struggled on the climb of the Mortirolo and lost time on his direct rivals.
The riders had to face the iconic Mortirolo under cold and wet conditions on the 16th stage of the Corsa Rosa. Roglic tried to maintain a good pace and couldn't respond to the attacks of Vincenzo Nibali and he crossed the finish line at three minutes and three seconds from the stage winner Giulio Ciccone.
"It was a tough day, especially with the cold at the end", Roglic commented. "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."
The Slovenian dropped to the third position of the General Classification at the end of the stage. "Until Nibali attacked, everything looked good", explained sports director Addy Engels. "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."
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