After two challenging weeks in the Tour of Italy, the sprinters had the occasion to battle for the stage win one last time this Wednesday before the conclusion in Rome. A stage of a little less than 200 kilometer and without any difficulties linked Pergine Valsugana and Caorle in Venice.
Belgian sprinter Arne Marit, the protected rider for the final, started the last hectometers in a perfect position thanks to the work of his teammates. His lead out Laurenz Rex guided him towards the final kilometer, after which Marit took position in the wheel of the later winner Alberto Dainese.
At the moment he launched his effort, a jump of his chain unfortunately deprived the fourth of the second stage in this Giro from his chances. His teammate Niccolò Bonifazio, who took over, managed to take fourth place despite everything. Team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty collected now four top five and ten top ten results in this edition.
« I gave so much to be there, today. I suffered for two weeks accross the mountains, thinking about this seventeenth stage. It was my goal. Today, the team did everything perfect to bring me in a winning position. With 250 meter to go, I was convinced that I had the legs to sprint for the victory. I took the inside of the last corner in a perfect way. I was eventually in fifth position, in the slipstream of Dainese. At the moment I launched my sprint, my chain jumped. I'm lost for words. It is difficult to accept at this moment. But I will do everything I can to get through these last days and to line up in Rome, aiming for my first stage win in a Grand Tour. »
