(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – Columbian Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step) won stage three and took the leader’s jersey in a dramatic third day of the Giro d’Italia.
Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas remains in contention in 11th place overall, 23 seconds behind the leader.
Germany’s Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), who had won the previous stage and held the overall lead, finished in 10th.
The racers had to contend with strong crosswinds throughout the third and final stage on Sardinia.
Gaviria and his team-mates caused a split in the peloton with 10km to race, and powered over the line in triumph at the end of the 148km ride from Tortoli to Cagliari.
All of the main contenders for leader’s pink jersey are well placed in the standings before Monday’s rest day and Tuesday’s ascent of Mount Etna.
