(Prato Di Tivo) Tadej Pogacar continued his domination of the Giro d’Italia by winning a third stage since the start of the grand tour.
Pogacar triumphed on Saturday at Prato di Tivo in the eighth stage, the toughest of the tour so far. He thus increased his lead in the general classification.
The Slovenian cyclist had the time and energy to raise his arms in celebration as he crossed the finish ahead of Daniel Martinez and Ben O’Connor in a sprint between the title contenders.
Pogacar, who crushed the competition during the time trial on Friday, now has a lead of 2 minutes 40 seconds over Martinez. Geraint Thomas, winner last year, is 2:58 behind.
Double champion of the Tour de France, Pogacar hopes to achieve the double this year by winning the Giro and the Tour de France.
Saturday’s stage entered the high mountains of the Apennines and was rated five stars, the highest level of difficulty.
It ended with the ascent of a pass of the highest category for 14 kilometers to Prato di Tivo. There was essentially no flat section during the 152 kilometers from Spoleto.
Sunday’s stage will stretch over 214 kilometers between Allezzano and Naples. It will be punctuated by a single category 4 climb. Cyclists will benefit from a first day off on Monday.
The Giro will end in Rome on May 26.