Stage 0: Pre-Race/ Race Presentation Full Results and Report
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Belfast is getting ready | 
The Belfast start is known as Big Start 2014 | 
Belfast Titanic Quarter on the Belfast waterfront, site of the 2014 Giro d'Italia pre-race press conference | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) and race director Mauro Vegni | 
The GC contenders hit the stage first: Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff - Saxo), Michele Scarponi (Astana), Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), Cadel Evans (Bmc) | 
Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) tells Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) to check out steephill.tv for the latest Giro updates | 
Michele Scarponi (Astana): “Astana comes to the Giro with a team that hopes to be competitive on all fronts. I’m the captain, but there’s also Fabio Aru, who is very talented and will one day be a rider who can do well in Grand Tours. He won’t just be a support rider: he’ll have chances to ride for himself too.” | 
Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha): “There are only 6 riders here because the table is too small for all the others. There are stages for everyone, and I think it will be a very open, very entertaining race, of a very high sporting standard.” | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc): “This is my first time in Northern Ireland, and it’s going to be every interesting. The wind is going to be a factor, making these days when we GC contenders must try not to lose time, rather than thinking about gaining time.” | 
Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff - Saxo): “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for many months. I’m super-excited to be here, and to get going after such a long wait. There’s no great advantage in being the homeboy, but I’m sure it’s going to be a great event starting tomorrow with presentations.” | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step): “The Irish stages will be very important to the overall outcome: they are complicated , windy and cold and it is consistency that wins Grand Tours.” | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar): “For the first time ever, there are two Colombians here as favourites, which is a cause of national celebration. But I think everyone sitting here has almost equal conditions to win the Giro. The race will put us all in our place.” | 
Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha). Don't ask about my time-trialing. | 
Nairo and Joaquin | 
Photo-Op with GC contenders: Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff - Saxo), Cadel Evans (Bmc), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), Michele Scarponi (Astana), Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) on the Belfast Waterfront | 
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Sprinters/ Stage hunters press conference | 
Moreno Moser (Cannondale), who seems to have been asleep most of the season thus far: “There’s a lot of interest in me, because it’s 30 years since my uncle [Francesco Moser] won the Giro d’Italia. Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it. I’m happy to be at the start of the Giro d’Italia and I’ll play my cards as best I can.” | 
Ben Swift (Team Sky): “I’ve only known I’ll be riding for about 2 weeks, but I’m coming off the back of some decent form, so it’s a good opportunity to use this form and see what we can come up with.” | 
Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano): “There’s a lot of interest in me, because it’s 30 years since my uncle [Francesco Moser] won the Giro d’Italia. Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it. I’m happy to be at the start of the Giro d’Italia and I’ll play my cards as best I can.” | 
Daniel Martin (Garmin - Sharp): This is big goal of my season and I’m here to do the best possible. I’ll take it day by day before I know whether I’m riding for the General Classification or for stage wins.” | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida): “Everyone knows who the favourites are. The team captains are Cunego and Niemiec for the General Classification. My goal is to win at least a stage.” | 
Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr): “To win the sprints, you need a good team to keep you at the front in the crucial moments. I’ve yet to win a Grand Tour stage, and I hope that this will be the opportunity.” | 
Stage hunters photo-op: Daniel Martin (Garmin - Sharp), Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida), Ben Swift (Team Sky), Moreno Moser (Cannondale), Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano), Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) |
Stage 1: Belfast → Belfast, 218 km Full Results and Report
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Stage 1 team time trial start from Titanic museum | 
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The view from the start ramp | 
The view from the other direction | 
Orica GreenEdge benefited from early dry conditions to set a best time that wasn't beaten on the 21.7 km TTT course. Svein Tuft second from the front. | 
Light rain fell on Orica GreenEdge in the latter half of their ride. They won the 21.7 km TTT in 24:42 by 5s over OPQS | 
Orica-GreenEdge | 
Orica-GreenEdge in tight formation | 
Svein Tuft crossing first for Orica-GreenEdge in a time of 24:41 + 1s for the 5th rider | 
Garmin-Sharp sequence crash. Racing difficult to control bikes in tight formation through wet urban streets to kick off a Grand Tour never seems like a good idea in retrospect. | 
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With most of the team down, the remaining riders had to wait costing all them 3:26 in the GC battle effectively ending their GC hopes | 
Via @inCycleTV. A different prespective of the crash | 
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Garmin-Sharp riders collecting themselves off the asphalt | 
The Irishman, Dan Martin, of all people took the worst of it | 
Daniel Martin, like everyone else, was stunned at what happened | 
Daniel Martin went to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone | 
2nd Omega Pharma-QuickStep + 5s | 
3rd BMC Racing + 7s | 
Samuel SANCHEZ at the front for BMC Racing | 
Michael Rogers at the front for Tinkoff-Saxo | 
4th Tinkoff-Saxo + 0:23 | 
5th Team Sky + 0:35 | 
6th Astana + 0:38 | 
Huge crowds. A little rain won't deter the Irish. | 
8th Movistar + 0:55 | 
Movistar would have been higher than 8th if they didn't catch the wet, slick time slot | 
13th Belkin + 1:01 | 
14th Bardiani-CSF + 1:07 | 
16th FDJ.fr + 1:18 | 
It was all downhill from here for Katusha | 
19th Katusha + 1:33 and now Joaquin RODRIGUEZ has some time to make up | 
The highlight of Lotto Belisol's ride, 20th + 1:34 | 
21st Europcar + 1:48 | 
Garmin Sharp with only five riders crossing 3:26 behind the winners | 
Stage 1 TTT winners, Orica-GreenEdge | 
Orica GreenEdge celebrates their TTT win by hoisting Canadian Svein Tuft | 
As the first Orica GreenEdge rider across the line, birthday boy Svein Tuft is the first leader of this year's Giro | 
37 year old domestique Svein Tuft is finally in the spotlight on the world stage | 
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After the stage, Svein Tuft spoke to the press:
Great expectations: “We came into this stage with huge expectations. Our line-up is designed around the team time trial with Durbridge, Hepburn, Lancaster, Meyer, and so on. Our director sportif Matt White said that, if we’re on a good one, Svein goes across the line first. It’s a dream come true for a guy like me, a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m thankful to the team.”Challenging conditions: “The wind was never coming from one area. It was always blustering, so it made for a difficult time for a 9-man group on narrow roads. You could never be overlapping wheels. As we saw with Garmin, one little mistake and you really pay. We are well drilled for this kind of stage, but anyone who was on a good time today also had some luck.” A magical Belfast welcome: “It was truly impressive. I never expected to see that kind of crowd, 4 or 5 deep along the entire course, screaming and shouting. I’m never thought people would be so into it. Anytime you have crowds on a climb and you can feel that kind of energy, it’s really special. It pushes you to the next level. There are some difficult stages coming with the wind and the exposure on the coast. We have a super-fast man in Michael Matthews, so our objective is to look after him and continue the success of the past weeks.” |
Stage 2: Belfast → Belfast, 218 km Full Results and Report
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Race leader, Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEdge) signs in | 
Italian RR Champ Ivan Santaromita and his Orica GreenEDGE teammate and race leader Svein Tuft at the Belfast Titanic Quarter start | 
Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEDGE) enjoying some overdue time in the limelight in Belfast | 
Your rade leader, Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEDGE) about to get his nice pink jersey dirty today | 
Gianni Savio and Androni Giocattoli team | 
Bmc with Cadel Evans on the far right | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and others psyching themselves up for a cold, wet stage | 
The rollout from Belfast Titanic Quarter | 
Orica GreenEdge at the front of the peloton on the wet roads north of Belfast | 
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Good crowds again lining the streets | 
Marcel Kittel thoughts on Northern Ireland: “The first thing that comes to mind is rain. The second is the amazing atmosphere. Even with all the rain, there were people in shorts and t-shirts, cheering for us at the roadside. I don’t know how they do it, but it was wonderful. I felt really happy, even on the wet roads.” | 
Feed zone | 
Today's break from left to right: Jeffry Romero (Colombia), Maarten Tjallingii (Belkin), Andrea Fedi (Neri Sottoli-Yellow Fluo), Sander Armee (Lotto-Belisol) passing by big crowds in the rain | 
The peloton along the coast | 
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Sprint finish as expected on the return to Belfast with Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano), Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory), Roberto Ferrari (Lampre - Merida) at the front | 
The sprint finish in full flight | 
Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) senses victory | 
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Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) wins Stage 2 | 
Finish perspective | 
Nacer BOUHANNI (FDJ.fr) peeks around the big German from the second position | 
Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) starts his celebration as other riders (Viviani, Matthews, Ferrari) still fight it out behind | 
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Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) celebrates his first Giro d'Italia win: “I’ve now won stages in all three Grand Tours, and I’m really proud of it. It has been a nice goal, and it’s great to achieve it. I’m especially proud to have team-mates around me who have accompanied me in winning stages in all three Grand Tours. That makes it even better.” | 
Your Stage 2 winner, Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) | 
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Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano), the premiere pure sprinter at this year's race, celebrates the first of what should be several wins this month | 
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Kisses for the new race leader, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
With bonus seconds for his eight place finish, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) is now the race leader | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
Pretty in pink, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) hopes to keep the jersey for awhile. The Maglia Rosa: “I won the Under-23 World Champion’s jersey in Australia in front of my own crowd, and to wear this pink jersey now, in my first Giro d’Italia, is pretty incredible. It’s a dream come true. Marcel Kittel is definitely the fastest guy in the bunch. Whether it’s warm or cold, he’ll be there in the sprints. I’ll try to be around him, try and run 2nd or 3rd to him each time, and conserve energy for stages 5 and 6, which are the ones that best suit me. They are my real goals for the Giro this year.” | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) knows how to party |
Stage 3: Armagh → Dublin, 187 km Full Results and Report
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Tinkoff - Saxo during the teams presentation in Armagh with Irishman Nicolas Roche on the far right | 
New pink bike for the race leader Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) for the stage 3 start in Armagh | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) during the morning sign in | 
Cadel Evans and Manuel Quinziato of Bmc admiring the winner's trophy in Armagh | 
The start scene in Armagh with race leader Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
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Cadel Evans (BMC) | 
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Spirited Dubliners | 
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Stage 1 race leader, Svein Tuft, back to domestique duties | 
Miguel Rubiano (Colombia) in the break | 
Huge Tour de France like crowds again | 
The break | 
Four hours and twenty minutes after the start, the finish scene in Dublin | 
Another sprint finish as expected with Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano), Ben Swift (Team Sky), Elia Viviani (Cannondale), Edvald Boasson (FDJ.fr), Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) at the front | 
Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) coming around Ben Swift (Team Sky) | 
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Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) came from a long way back with 100m to go to take another win | 
Ben Swift nor anyone else can believe how much distance Kittel pulled back in the final 100m | 
Look at the ground Marcel Kittel made up in final 75m or 6s (via @cobblesandhills) | 
Despite a crash, race leader Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) keeps the pink jersey after Stage 3 in Dublin | 
Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) didn't need teammates today but he thanked them anyways | 
Cycling great Stephen Roche, winner of the 1987 Giro d'Italia, signing autographs in his hometown of Dublin | 
Dapper 54 year-old Stephen Roche in Dublin | 
Big crowds in Dublin for the finish and podium ceremony | 
Your Stage 3 winner, Marcel Kittel (Giant - Shimano) in Dublin | 
Marcel Kittel on today’s sprint: “We tried do our sprint preparation pretty early today, which wasn’t a mistake because 2 km before the finish the road narrowed and we wanted to be in front. But just before one of the turns I lost Tom Veelers’ wheel, and afterwards it was one big line and I must have been about 30 riders from the back. I thought, ‘I cannot give up now.’ Fortunately, I was on the wheel of Bouhanni, who was probably thinking the same thing. I was still not in a good position at 3-400m, but I sprinted as hard as I could for much longer than I would normally do. It was almost an attack, not a sprint, and it took a lot of energy. That’s why I was on the ground after the stage, recovering.” | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) with a 8s race lead after Stage 3 | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) enjoying his time in the race lead | 
Wearing the Maglia Rosa today: “It was incredible. I was thankful that the weather was pretty much OK at the start, and I could wear my long sleeve jersey and show off my pink jersey and pink bike. Everyone was shouting for me. I still can’t believe it after wearing it all day and I’ll be so happy to wear it in Italy the day after tomorrow. Winning stage one as a team, as opposed to an individual stage, brought the whole team spirit up. Then for Svein [Tuft] to wear the jersey yesterday and for me to wear it today, we showed that we’re keen to ride at the front and show ourselves. Some of the guys don’t really realise it’s really happening, as if this doesn’t happen to teams like ours. But it is happening, and we’re really living the dream at the moment.” | 
Team Colombia were celebrated for getting their visas just in time for the Giro d'Italia. Seriously, if you know why they were on the podium post stage 3 then let me know. Most aggressive team thus far? | 
Marcel Kittel, needless to say, is leading the sprint/points competition | 
Michael Matthews at post-race press conference (video) | 
Marcel Kittel at the post-race press conference (video) | 
Ivan Drago: "It was more an attack than a sprint" | 
Michael Matthews |
Stage 4: Giovinazzo → Bari, 121 km Full Results and Report
Stage 5: Taranto → Viggiano, 203 km Full Results and Report
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Start scene in Taranto with Robert Kiserlovski (Trek Factory) and Janez Brajkovic (Astana) | 
Leisurely start | 
Break led by Miguel Rubiano (Colombia) | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) descending Montalbano Jonico | 
Descending the unclassified Montalbano Jonico at km 70 | 
Montalbano Jonico | 
Italian RR Champ Ivan Santaromita and his Orica-GreenEdge teammate and race leader, Michael Matthews | 
Orica GreenEDGE leading the peloton | 
Marco Frapporti (Androni Giocattoli) leading the break up the cat 3 Valico di San Chirico at km 130 / 70 km to go | 
More rain today. BMC chasing the first time through Viggiano | 
Hometown boy, Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale); earlier in the day, the race passed through Basilicata, a first, which is Pozzovivo's hometown. He finished 8th + 1s today. | 
1 km to go: Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) attacking on the finishing climb in Viggiano | 
Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) leading Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) bridging up while pulling the eventual race winner, Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) at the same time | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) followed by Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step, finished 4th +1s) and Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo, finished 5th + 1s), Wilco Kelderman (Belkin, finished 8th + 1s), Nairo Quintana (Movistar, finished 10th + 1s) | 
25th Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin - Sharp) | 
A big surge with 150m to go, gives Italian Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) the win in Viggiano | 
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Your stage 5 winner, Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) | 
Race leader Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) is getting good at spraying champagne with velocity. His 6th place finish + 1s actually increased his overall lead to 14s. |
Stage 6: Sassano → Montecassino, 247 km Full Results and Report
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A reminder of what we are racing for | 
Race leader Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) signing-in in Sassano for Stage 6 | 
Riccardo Zoidl (Trek Factory) has to bend down for the bottom corner slot | 
Fight for Pink Michael | 
A stage win will make you popular with the fans. Stage 5 winner, Diego Ulissi (Lampre Merida) | 
The rollout from Sassano | 
The break with Rodolfo Torres (Colombia) and Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani CSF) at the front | 
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Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) is smiling for the moment. But, the day didn't end well. | 
More nice scenery today | 
Orica GreenEdge and Canondale leading the lackluster chase | 
Peloton | 
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Manuel Quinziato needs some privacy | 
The break | 
The peloton strung out | 
Bernhard EISEL at the front of the peloton for Sky | 
The race passing through Salerno | 
Salerno | 
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Ominous weather about to catch up with the race again today | 
Montecassino Abbey, 8.7 km @ 5.1% finishing climb | 
After the massive crash with 10 km to go, we had a small group at the front of the race | 
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BMC's Steve Morabito and Cadel Evans at the front | 
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Cadel Evans (BMC) leading the way over the final km | 
Cadel Evans at the front through the final corner | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) on Cadel Evans' (Bmc) wheel ready to bounce | 
Race leader, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) takes the lead with meters to go | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) wins the depleted Stage 6 finish | 
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Tim WELLENS (LOTTO BELISOL) had the angle on Cadel EVANS (BMC RACING) for 2nd while Matteo RABOTTINI (NERI SOTTOLI) was 3rd | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) said post-stage "I pictured myself winning that stage 100 times" | 
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Fabio Duarte (Colombia) leading in the next group 49s later. The previous day's stage winner, Diego Ullisi crossed first in this bunch for 8th | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) post stage | 
Carnage victims: Michele Scarponi | 
Three fractures for Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha). Out of the race. | 
Damiano Cunego, cut up | 
Stage 6 winner, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
Race leader, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
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More than a sprinter: “I was always a good climber, but I didn’t have the confidence that I needed to go into these climbing stages and be good. These last two stages I”ve proved to myself that I can do it, and from now on I’ll be aiming, not for the high mountain stages, but for the stages that finish with a short climb. I now know I can win on that terrain and in the flat sprints too.” | 
The fall before the climb: “Everyone wanted to be in the front because of the wet conditions. The road narrowed before the roundabout, we were riding at 60 kph, and everyone wanted to be in the front. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you’re OK. That’s racing these days. It’s all about positioning.” |
Stage 7: Frosinone → Foligno, 214 km Full Results and Report
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Astana Valerio Agnoli and daughter signing-in | 
Fixed up and ready to go, Michele Scarponi (Astana) salutes the crowd in Frosinone | 
Your popular race leader, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) in Frosinone | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) at the start line in Frosinone | 
Robinson Chalapud (Colombia) leading the break on Valico di Arcinazzo | 
Peloton in the distance and Bjorn Thurau (Europcar) in the break on Valico di Arcinazzo | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) and Cadel Evans (Bmc) enjoying the descent of Valico di Arcinazzo | 
Peloton on Valico di Arcinazzo | 
Valico di Arcinazzo switchback panoramic | 
Break | 
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Ag2r La Mondiale chasing for Davide Apollonio although he finished outside the top 10 | 
The break had a 2:45 advantage with 20 km to go, but they couldn't hold off the peloton... | 
Sprint finish in Foligno with Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr), Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory), Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) at the front | 
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Bike throw photo finish | 
Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) wins ahead of Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory), Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE), Roberto Ferrari (Lampre - Merida), Luka Mezgec (Giant - Shimano) Foligno | 
Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) wins in Foligno | 
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Another good day for Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
Your stage 4 winner, Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) | 
As Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) indicates, this is his second win at this year's Giro | 
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Photo-op with the race leader, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) also has the blue jersey for the points competition |
Stage 8: Foligno → Montecopiolo, 174 km Full Results and Report
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BMC during the morning teams presentation in Foligno. Their good race got even better today. | 
Domenico Pozzovivo had his Ag2r La Mondiale team working for him today. He finished 7th + 8s. | 
Pierre Rolland (Europcar) animated today's finish and almost pulled off a solo win | 
The jersey leaders during a beautiful morning in Foligno | 
2012 overall winner, Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin - Sharp) was 10th + 20s today | 
Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) standing where he won the previous day | 
Michael Matthews' enjoying his last morning in Pink | 
Maarten Tjallingii (Belkin), Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr), Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE), Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo) in Foligno | 
Action from the first hour of racing | 
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The break with Carlos Quintero (Colombia) at the front. Has Colombia been in every break this Giro? | 
That's a lot of greenery | 
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Peloton | 
Stefano Pirazzi leading the three man break | 
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Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) was dropped early on the first climb | 
Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) | 
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We are in Marco Pantani country. The first of three climbs, Monte Carpegna (6 km @ 9.9 %, max14 %, cat 1). | 
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Marco Pantani's legacy loomed over todays stage. These were once his roads. | 
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A beautiful, narrow wooded climb that Marco Pantani use to enjoy | 
15:49:55 | 
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Il Pirata is still larger than life | 
It was a uphill battle for Michele Scarponi today. His GC ambitions are over after his 60th placing + 9:39. | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) attacking solo over the top of Monte Carpegna | 
Ag2r La Mondiale chasing | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) attempting a 35 km solo win. However, he ran out of gas on the final climb | 
Pierre Rolland chasing | 
Pierre Rolland | 
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Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) | 
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Cadel Evans (Bmc) and Ivan Basso (Cannondale) | 
BMC and Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2R La Mondiale) | 
Pierre Rolland (Europcar) caught and passed Julian Arredondo on the final climb, but he faded as well | 
Mikel Landa (Astana) attacking off the peloton on Montecopiolo | 
Cadel Evans chasing | 
Going backwards. Lights out for Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) on Montecopiolo. He finished 27th + 3:10 | 
Coming up short; Pierre Rolland (Europcar) getting passed by Daniel Moreno (Katusha) on Montecopiolo with 300m to go | 
Daniel Moreno (Katusha) looked like he had the winning move, but he too was brought back | 
Robert Kiserlovski (Trek Factory) then took a dig and brought Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) with him | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) takes the front with 50m to go | 
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It's a good idea to check your gap before starting the victory salute | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) declares himself the winner | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) wins ahead of Robert Kiserlovski (Trek Factory) on Montecopiolo | 
2nd Robert Kiserlovski (Trek Factory) | 
3rd Wilko Kelderman (Belkin) +6s. 4th Nairo Quintana (Movistar) gained 2 GC seconds on Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) | 
Diego Ulissi can't believe he pulled out the win | 
Stage 5 and now Stage 8 winner | 
Chris Sorensen (Tinkoff - Saxo), Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo), Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff - Saxo) taking their time | 
60th Michele Scarponi (Astana) + 9:39. Stage hunting now. | 
Your Stage 5 and 8 winner, Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) | 
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Your new GC leader Cadel Evans (Bmc) with almost a one-minute lead | 
Is Cadel Evans the most pathetic champagne sprayer in the peloton? | 
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Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) wins most aggressive rider today |
Stage 9: Lugo → Sestola, 172 km Full Results and Report
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Descriptions for Stage 9 photos still to come... | 
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Stage 10: Modena → Salsomaggiore, 184 km Full Results and Report
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Race leader, Cadel Evans (Bmc), with the releasing of the pink balloons in Modena | 
Snag | 
Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) getting his ride ready prior to the stage 10 start in Modena | 
Colombian gathering before Stage 10: Miguel Rubiano (Colombia), Sebastian Henao (Team Sky), Nairo Quintana (Movistar) in Modena | 
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Cadel Evans (Bmc) stripping in for another day at the Giro | 
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Today's (small) break: Andrea Fedi (Yellow Fluo) and Marco Bandiera (Androni) | 
BMC and race leader Cadel Evans | 
Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) may be Cadel Evans' biggest threat remaining for the overall win | 
After a crash started by Tyler Farrar in the final km, Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) surged ahead of Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory) and Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEDGE) to take a depleted sprint finish in Salsomaggiore | 
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Short version: I'm the man
Long (official) version: “Team Sky rode very hard on the climb and made the first selection. I dropped back a bit, but iI still managed to cross the climb in about 20th place. In the team meeting this morning we were told that we would have to be among the first 5 at the turn with 500m to go. Sebastien Chavanel took me there, then rode at the front for me. The entire team was formidable today, always around me and working hard all stage. I’m very happy to be at the Giro with this team.” | 
Elia Viviani (Cannondale) started the day with a fever and ended with a crash in Salsomaggiore | 
Stage 10 winner and now three-time winner at the year's Giro, Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) avoided the problems and remains in the race lead.
The final 5 kms: “On paper it already looked a little bit intimidating to me. I think there we’ve got fresher riders, a bigger group coming in to the finish, and of course riders maybe seeing it as one of their last opportunities, the sprinters there, so they’re possibly taking more risks on the descent, and then of course, in the final there, with all the corners, there’s only so much space for so many riders, but a lot more want to be in the front.” |
Stage 11: Correggio → Savona, 249 km Full Results and Report
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Ivan Basso (Cannondale) at the start in Collecchio (Parma). He's quietly in 10th place + 2 minutes. | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) enjoying his role as the race leader | 
Cadel Evans (BMC) keeping cool before the longest stage of the race at 249 km | 
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Approaching the first of two cat 2s on the day, Passo Cento Croci | 
Passo Cento Croci | 
Moreno Moser (Cannondale) leading a break on Passo Cento Croci | 
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Passo Cento Croci | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) descending Passo Cento Croci | 
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One of several muddy crash victims, Chris Sorensen (Tinkoff - Saxo) | 
Adriano Malori (Movistar) | 
On the coast near Sestri Levante | 
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Repairs | 
Chris Sorensen had 'no memory of the next 20-25 km' after his fall. | 
Break led by Jonathan Monsalve (Yellow Fluo), Moreno Moser (Cannondale), Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) | 
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Passing through colorful Genova with 90 km to go; Chase led by Androni Giocattoli | 
Break | 
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First pass through the finish line in Savona from the opposite direction | 
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Daniel Moreno (Katusha) leading on the cat 2 Naso di Gatto | 
Break | 
28 km to go: Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) attacks on Naso di Gatto | 
Adding to his KOM lead, Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) on Naso di Gatto | 
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Nicholas Roche (Tinkoff Saxo) chasing | 
Taking inventory | 
Race leader Cadel Evans, nestled in the peloton | 
Franco Pellizotti (Androni Giocattoli) bridged up on Naso di Gatto with Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo) coming across as well | 
The view of the finish host, Savona, from high up | 
Last then 25 km to go, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) attacking on the descent of Naso di Gatto | 
Chase led by Giant - Shimano | 
Steve Morabito (Bmc), Cadel Evans (Bmc), Samuel Sanchez (Bmc) descending (applying the brakes?) on Naso di Gatto | 
The back of the peloton during final 1.5 km in Savona | 
With Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo) blurry in the distance, the remnants of the peloton have given up | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) solos into Savona | 
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Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) wins in Savona | 
Simon Geschke (Giant - Shimano) and Enrico Battaglin (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) cross 2nd and 3rd + 10s | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) crosses ahead of Cadel Evans (BMC) who breathes a sigh of relief | 
Trailing riders finishing in Savona | 
Your stage 11 winner, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) | 
Hard to believe, but this is Michael Rogers' first Grand Tour win | 
Cadel Evans prepares for another Pink Jersey | 
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Cadel Evans is comfortably in the lead heading into tomorrow's important time-trial:
Tomorrow’s Time Trial: “It has 3 climbs. The first is a rolling, gentle climb, with 6 curves on the down hill. The second climbs a little bit harder and takes longer, from what I remember. The last pitch to the finish is quite steep. It’s comparable to the time trial we had in last year’s Giro, with the steep finish. With rolling roads, hilly, and a real mix, it seems most adapted to a climber who has some power on the flat as well. On paper it looks like the time trial course should suit my characteristics.”Rivals: “Like any other day, I’d like to improve my margin on my rivals. Rigobertyo Urán seems good and is improving day by day, and another name who might be able to do a result and is riding well is Majka. He seems a rider we should pay attention to. As for Quintana, we haven’t seen him much so far. I don’t know what to expect. I’m concentrating on my own result. We’ll see in tomorrow's results." | 
Post race press conference | 
Race winner, Michael Rogers at the mic | 
"Look, I’ve always loved time trials, but I made it to the top of the tree and, to be honest, I wanted to try my hand in 3-week stage races. I didn’t succeed and, in a sense, I regret letting the time trials go. I lost a lot of weight and strength. At my age, in recent years, it’s difficult to get it back. Sometimes I manage it, and in short stage races, I can get results." |
Stage 12: Barbaresco → Barolo, 42 km Full Results and Report
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First rider on the 42 km, lumpy wine country TT course was our first Pink Jersey wearer, Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEDGE) with the vineyards in the background | 
Start scene in Barbaresco | 
Early riders departing in Barbaresco | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) in the start gate in Barbaresco... getting ready to crush the field | 
On his way to a winning time and the pink jersey, Rigoberto URAN (OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP) 42 Km in 57:34 | 
Winning form: Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) | 
As the timer says, confirmation of Rigoberto Uran's (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) winning time of 57:34 in Barolo over one minute faster than the next rider | 
Diego Ulissi (Lampre - Merida) looked good for the win, but settled for 2nd + 1:17 | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) resetting his computer in the start gate in Barbaresco | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) down the start ramp | 
The tv cameras followings the pink jersey, the final rider on the course | 
Cadel Evans (Bmc) survived a tough course and day for 3rd + 1:34, but loses the pink jersey and is now 2nd overall + 37s | 
Get your photos of Cadel Evans in the pink jersey while you can | 
Best young rider to start the day, Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo) in Barbaresco | 
4th Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo) + 1:39, 3rd overall + 1:52 | 
5th Gianluca Brambilla (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) + 1:53. In total there were four OPQS riders in the top 10. | 
Wilko Kelderman (Belkin) ready to roll in Barbaresco | 
7th Wilko Kelderman (Belkin) + 2:03 | 
Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) down the ramp in Barbaresco | 
After a fast climb in the first half, Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) faded to 9th + 2:09, 4th overall + 2:32. Apparently, small guys have difficulty getting aero. | 
13th yesterdays stage 11 winner, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) + 2:41 | 
Under-the-weather again today; Nairo Quintana (Movistar) in Barbaresco | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
14th Nairo Quintana (Movistar) + 2:41, 6th overall + 3:29 | 
Fabio Aru (Astana) got off to a fast start in Barbaresco, but faded on the flat section | 
A nice perspective shot of an Astana rider on course, could be Fabio Aru | 
16th Fabio Aru (Astana) + 2:55, 7th overall 3:37 | 
20th Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin - Sharp) + 3:22, 16th overall + 6:55 | 
Sammy Sanchez is working as a domestique for BMC's Cadel Evans during the road stages so he took the TT easy and enjoyed the vineyard scenery | 
The finishing uphill stretch in Barolo | 
Cadel Evans' (Bmc) glum post-stage reaction in Barolo | 
Your stage 12 ITT winner, Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) | 
Uran celebrates a through thrashing of the field by 1:17 | 
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His dominating win also gives Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) the pink jersey | 
Leads Cadel Evans by 37s | 
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You can't have too many photos of the first Colombian celebrating in the Pink Jersey | 
Your new race leader arriving at the post-stage press conference | 
Some Spanish-Italian-English translation work going on... | 
“To win the time trial has great significance for me personally,, for my team, and for Colombia, and to take the Maglia Rosa as well is a nice surprise. There’s a long way to go, of course, and the real mountains are still ahead of us, but today is important. I came here twice to look at the route. I worked hard with [bike manufacturer] Specialized and went to the wind tunnel in California. I rode well in the time trial at the Tour of Romandie. During the race today, I was given repeated updates on Cadel Evans’ times, and I think it made a difference. I wanted to do well today, but I didn’t expect to win and take the jersey.” |
Stage 13: Fossano → Rivarolo Canavese, 158 km Full Results and Report
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Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) signing-in in Fossano for his first day in Pink | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) in Fossano | 
Pink bar tape, brake hoods and trimmed sunglasses were the additions to Rigoberto Uran's ensemble this morning | 
A couple of Colombians enjoying their time in the shade, race leader Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) and KOM leader Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) | 
The peloton heading due north from Fossano to Rivarolo Canavese, the last flat day before the mountains | 
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Jackson Rodriguez (Androni Giocattoli) and Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) leading the five man break | 
Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) at the front of the break on a descent | 
3 minutes later, the peloton comes through with race leader Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) | 
The break Maxim Belkov (Katusha), Corredor Jeffry Johan Romero (Colombia), Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox), Gert Dockx (Lotto - Belisol), Angelo Tulik (Europcar) Jackson Rodriguez (Androni) | 
Still a three minute lead with 1 hour of racing to go with FDJ.fr at the front of the peloton | 
First glimpse of snow for the peloton | 
The peloton, blurry in the distance, misjudged the break and now we have bunch sprint led by Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) in Rivarolo Canavese | 
Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) led through the final corner with 200m to go and held of Jackson Rodriguez (Androni Giocattoli) and Angelo Tulik (Europcar) for the win | 
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11 seconds later, Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) edges out Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory), again, even though Nizzolo had the short side of the road | 
Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox celebrate in Rivarolo Canavese | 
Your stage 13 winner, Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) | 
25 year-old, 4th year pro, Marco Canola (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox), celebrates his biggest career win | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step). It's great having a race leader who really knows how to spray the champagne | 
Uran empties the bottle | 
... Colombian fans are eating up... | 
Fellow Colombian Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) is again the KOM leader |
Stage 14: Agliè → Oropa, 164 km Full Results and Report
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Stage 15: Valdengo → Montecampione, 225 km Full Results and Report
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Rigoberto Uran and the traditional launch of the pink balloons | 
Pink is cool | 
The start scene in Valdengo with the jersey leaders | 
The peloton working it's way east past Milan on the flat section of the stage | 
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Jumping ahead to the final climb, the cat 1 PLAN DI MONTECAMPIONE (19.4 km @ 7.5 %, max 12 %). Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) and Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) off the front | 
The race leader, Rigoberto Uran, followed by the GC contenders, took a dig half way up the climb | 
GC group on the final climb | 
Montecampione perspective | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) setting the pace for a possible Rafal Majka attack on Montecampione | 
Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo) leading Rojas Nairo Alexander Quintana (Movistar), Fabio Aru (Astana), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), Cadel Evans (Bmc) on Montecampione | 
Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) bridges up to Pierre Rolland (Europcar) after Rigoberto Uran's attack Montecampione | 
Fabio Aru (Astana) and Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) near the front of the race on Montecampione | 
Solo attack with 3 km to go by Fabio Aru (Astana) | 
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Cadel Evans (Bmc) getting dropped | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma Quick-Step) on his own with GC contenders ahead and behind him | 
Best young rider, Rafal Majka (TINKOFF-SAXO) was next behind the race leader and ended up 6th + 57s | 
Fabio Aru (Astana) picked a fine time for his first career win | 
A solo first win on a monster climb at the Giro will get you excited | 
Fabio Aru (Astana) issuing a punctuation mark on a great win | 
And this completes the best victory salute of the season | 
2nd Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) + 21s | 
3rd and 4th, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Pierre Rolland (Europcar) + 23s | 
5th Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) + 42s | 
Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin - Sharp) leads in a group including Cadel Evans (Bmc), Wilko Kelderman (Belkin) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) for 9th 1:13 | 
Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) hasn't given up on this year's Giro despite the Stage 1 TTT disaster | 
Your stage 15 winner, Fabio Aru (Astana), Italy's next hope for a Giro win | 
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A mixed, mostly good day for race leader, Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) who takes the pink jersey into the 3rd and final rest day. He gained time on Cadel Evans, Rafal Majka and Domenico Pozzovivo but there are more riders in the mix now. | 
The race leader leaving the mountain in style | 
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Stage 16: Ponte di Legno → Val Martello, 139 km Full Results and Report
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The rollout from Ponte di Legno in the Brescia province for the Queen stage of this year's race | 
Sant'Apollonia, the lower slopes of Passo Gavia | 
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Climbing the cat 1 Passo Gavia (16.5 km @ 8 % max 16 %), the first of three big climbs | 
Movistar leading the peloton on Passo Gavia | 
Passo Gavia | 
Robinson Chalapud (Colombia) on his way to being the first over Passo Gavia | 
Nearing the top of the Passo Gavia as the weather deteriorates | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Pierre Rolland (Europcar), Romain Sicard (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) | 
Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin - Sharp) on Passo Gavia. We'll see him again later. | 
Lots of snow and no view near the top | 
Passo Gavia | 
Passo Gavia | 
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Julian Arredondo (Trek) and Jarlinson Pantano (Colombia) were 2nd and 3rd over the top of Passo Gavia giving Colombia the top three riders. | 
Passo Gavia | 
Passo Gavia | 
Preparing to descend Passo Gavia | 
Passo Gavia descent | 
Passo Gavia descent | 
Passo Gavia descent | 
Next up was Passo dello Stelvio | 
Climbing Passo dello Stelvio | 
The switchbacks on the west side of Passo dello Stelvio (21.7 km @ 6.9 % max 12 %), the Cima Coppi (highest point) of this year's race at 2758m | 
Passo dello Stelvio | 
Passo dello Stelvio | 
Passo dello Stelvio | 
Snowing near the top of Passo dello Stelvio | 
Saxo-Tinkoff | 
Movistar about to launch Nairo Quintana over the top of Passo dello Stelvio. Was the descent or part of it neutralized or not? | 
Winter conditions at the top of Passo dello Stelvio | 
Passo dello Stelvio | 
Desending Passo dello Stelvio. The first six corners were apparently raced under the red caution flag. | 
Descending Passo dello Stelvio | 
Race leader, Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma Quick-Step) lost over a minute to Nairo Quintana on the descent as a result of the confusion | 
Race lead going down the drain; Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma Quick-Step) on the steep, slick Passo dello Stelvio switchbacks | 
Descending Passo dello Stelvio | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) leds a three man break with Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) at the base of Val Martello, the cat 1 finishing climb (22.4 km @ 6.4 % max 14 %) | 
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And then there were two, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) remain after dropping Pierre Rolland (Europcar) | 
Meanwhile the race leader and other GC contenders were losing big time today. 5th Domenico POZZOVIVO (AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 3:37, 6th Fabio ARU (ASTANA) + 3:40, 7th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF-SAXO) + 4:08, 9th Rigoberto URAN (OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP) + 4:11 | 
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Ryder Hesjedal kept clawing back to Nairo Quintana's (Movistar) wheel | 
With one final surge with 1 km to go, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) finally dropped Ryder Hesjedal for good | 
The final corner and one final dig to the line with 2nd Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) in the distance + 8s | 
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Finish line perspective on Val Martello; 139 (brutal) km completed in 4:42 | 
Your Stage 16 winner and new race leader, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), previously 5th on GC | 
The controversy will carry on. Via @l_guercilena: Marco Velo driver of Safety moto 'my red flag was up, quintana pass me'! Still some doubts?. Via @friebos: Mauro Vegni (Giro chief) tells @Gazzetta_it red flag was shown to riders on 6-7 Stelvio hairpins 'to signal danger' (& not neutralisation). 'Race radio misunderstood what I said.' | 
Cima Coppi winner (first over Passo di Stelvio) Dario Cataldo (Sky) | 
The sprinters were just happy to make the time cut; Points/Sprint Competition leader Nacer Bouhanni (Fdj.Fr) |
Stage 17: Sarnonico → Vittorio Veneto, 204 km Full Results and Report
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Nairo QUINTANA (MOVISTAR), enjoying his first morning in Pink despite the controversy that surrounds the time gains he made at the end of Stage 16Yesterday’s controversy: “It makes me laugh, because in reality everyone here and everyone watching on TV knows what happened. I didn’t go down in a car or on a motorbike. I came down on a bike, on the same roads as everyone else. A few riders refused to shake my hand this morning, but there are always people who cannot accept defeat, and many others, who ride for the teams whose directors sportifs are now arguing, came to congratulate me on my win. They know what really happened.” | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) signing-in in Vittorio Veneto for Stage 17 | 
Nairo Quintana resplendent in Pink | 
Beautiful Trento lake and mountain landscape | 
Peloton passing through Trento | 
More Trento | 
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The first climb, the cat 4, Scale di Primolano | 
Daniel Oss (BMC) in the break on the first KOM, the cat 4, Scale di Primolano, at 105 km | 
Matteo Montaguti (Ag2r La Mondiale) | 
cat 4, Scale di Primolano | 
The peloton on the cat 4, Scale di Primolano | 
Scale di Primolano | 
Damiano Cunego (Lampre - Merida) in the big break | 
Race leader, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
The break passing through Provincia di Belluno | 
45 km to go: Thomas de Gendt (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) leading the break on the cat 4 Santo Stefano | 
Damiano Cunego (Lampre - Merida) on Santo Stefano | 
Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) on Santo Stefano, we'll see him gain later | 
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20 km to go: Thomas de Gendt (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) attack on the cat 4 Ca' del Poggio, the last climb of the race | 
The break disintegrating; Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) bridging up to Thomas de Gendt | 
Thomas de Gendt (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), first over Ca' del Poggio | 
The final run to the finish. Thomas de Gendt (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) and Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) and the rest of the break | 
The peloton took the day off today | 
The peloton on Ca' del Poggio | 
Giant Shimano team car in the ditch after missing a corner | 
Successful attack by Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) during the final 2 km run into Vittorio Veneto | 
Finish perspective | 
Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) wins Stage 17 ahead of 2nd Tim WELLENS (LOTTO BELISOL), 3rd Jay MCCARTHY (TINKOFF-SAXO), 4th Thomas de GENDT (OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP), 5th Matteo MONTAGUTI (AG2R LA MONDIALE) | 
Stefano Pirazzi had something to say for those who think 'Pirazzi gets it wrong... Pirazzi’s attack comes to nothing' | 
Emotional victory salute by Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox). How it happened: “In the first hour, it was very fast and intense. There were attacks on the climbs, and that’s how I got into the breakaway. In the closing kilometres there was five of us. On paper I was the slowest, but after many hours of riding at high speed, the others lacked their usual finishing speed. De Gendt frightened me more than the others. When he goes, it’s difficulty to bring him back. When he attacked, I spoke to my team-mate [Nicola Boem] and told him to try to bring him back, and then I tried to save as much energy as possible for the finish. I attacked with 2.5 km to go, but they chased me down. I attacked again 1.2 km form the line, and stayed away. I chose the right moment.” | 
The GC contenders coming in 15 minutes later | 
Your Stage 17 winner, Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) | 
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Easy first day in Pink for Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
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The coming stages: “There are two mountain stages coming up that suit me. If I have a good day, I’ll show myself. I will ride as a team leader, and I’ll honour the Maglia Rosa, and, if the opportunity arises, why not add time to my lead?” Good form: “I have proven that I have the means to to be where I am. If it hadn’t been for the breakaway at Oropa, when I was still ill, I might have won, and I was second behind Aru’s spectacular attack 9 at Plan di Montecampione], beating the other favourites by several seconds. Perhaps if I have a good day, I’ll show myself. I’m not pushing myself beyond my means, dragging myself up the hills, to be where I am, wearing this Maglia Rosa!” | 
Lets not forget that Nairo Quintana (Movistar) is also the best young rider | 
Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani Valvole - Csf Inox) at the post-stage 17 press conference.First pro win: “It had become a five-year obsession. I always knew a win would come, and I was sick of the criticism: Pirazzi gets it wrong, Pirazzi’s attack comes to nothing. Eveyrone has his way of riding. I’ve always tried to put on a show. I turned pro very young and I had to learn the ropes. Winning today was very important for me, and, in my emotion, made a gesture on the finish line. I regret it now and I would like to apologize.” The escape artist: “Last year I was on the attack a lot to win the Maglia Azzurra, but this year the goal was to win a stage. I’ve only joined two breakaways in this Giro, and today went well for me and I’ve done it. I’ve had a good Giro so far, and there is still a mountain time trial to come, which I’ll try to rider well.” |
Stage 18: Belluno → Rifugo Panarotta, 171 km Full Results and Report
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Our race leader getting a hand in Belluno before the start of stage 18, the 4th mountain stage and his first big test as race leader | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) is from Colombia if you didn't already know | 
The start scene in Belluno | 
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The peloton on the first of three categorized climbs, the cat 1 San Pellegrino (18.5 km @ 6.2% max 15%) | 
San Pellegrino | 
Nairo Quintana taking a rain jacket from a teammate as rain starts to fall | 
San Pellegrino | 
San Pellegrino | 
San Pellegrino | 
Cresting the top of San Pellegrino at 1918m | 
The break | 
The peloton passing through one of the Trento towns along the route, possibly Cavalese | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) in the break on the second categorized climb, the cat 2 Passo del Redebus (4.6 km @ 8.7 %, max 15 %). We'll see him again later. | 
Passo del Redebus | 
Passo del Redebus | 
Passo del Redebus | 
The bottom of the final climb, the cat 1 RIFUGIO PANAROTTA (14.9 km @ 7.6 %, max 14 %) | 
Davide Cassini and Paolo Bettini at the finish | 
Potential new team owner, Fernando Alonso at the finish | 
Ivan Basso (Cannodale) attempting to drop his break mates on the final climb. He finished 7th + 1:43. | 
Samuel Sanchez (Bmc) and Cadel Evans (Bmc) were dropped from the peloton | 
Colombians Fabio Andres Duarte (Colombia) and Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) off the front | 
One of many Colombian supporters along the route | 
Italian fans cheering on Franco Pellizotti's (Androni Venezuela) solo attack with 5 km to go | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek) catching and passing Franco Pellizotti (Androni Venezuela) | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) leading with several km to go up the 15 km finishing climb, Rifugio Panarotta | 
Fabio Duarte (Colombia) chasing in second | 
Fabio Duarte getting some encouragement | 
Fabio Duarte | 
Pierre Rolland (Europcar) attacking off the peloton on Rifugio Panarotta | 
OPQS's Wouter Poels and Rigoberto Uran at the front of the peloton further down Rifugio Panarotta | 
Race leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar) showing his poker face followed by Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo), Fabio Aru (Astana) | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) weaving the final 100m to the finish | 
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First across the line today after also winning the two other KOMs, locking up the King of the Mountains Competition | 
Same shot from a distance; finish perspective on Rifugio Panarotta | 
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Lots of time for an extended victory salute as the 2nd place rider comes into view | 
Further down the mountain, Cadel Evans (Bmc) was losing time, he finished 21st + 4:24 dropping him from 3rd to 9th | 
... while Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) was carrying on with his victory salute | 
2nd Fabio Duarte (Colombia) + 17s | 
3rd Philippe Deignan (Team Sky) + 37s | 
The first Italians across the line today, 4th Franco Pellizotti (Androni Giocattoli) + 1:20, 5th Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani CSF) + 1:24 | 
8th Dario Cataldo (Team Sky) + 1:59 | 
9th Fabio Aru (Astana) gained on a few seconds on GC + 2:43 while Nairo Quintana was 10th + 2:46 | 
Your stage 18 winner, Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory), biggest career win for the 25 year old, 3rd year pro | 
Standing tall | 
Good thing the winner is given a stand | 
Job done: “My main goal was a stage win in the Giro d’Italia. I tried in breakaways in the first week: in one of them, I was caught 2 km from the finish. Today, I had the Maglia Azzurra so I joined the breakaway. I went over the first two categorised climbs in first place, and I didn’t imagine for a moment that today could be my day. my coach, Josu Larrazabal, believed in me. At the foot of the final climb, I wanted to attack, but my Josu said, “Take it easy, not yet.” Then, much higher up, he said, “Julián, now!” So I won the stage because of his advice. He gave me the calm and the patience, and the day ended perfectly for me. I dedicate this stage win to him. | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar): The Giro isn’t over: ”Until the finish line in Trieste, nothing is certain. What I know is that my physical sensations are better every day. I like the route. There is a big altitude gain, and I think it suits me. I hope to ride well. I’m healthy now, and the main thing is to lose no time and keep the Maglia Rosa. | 
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Enthusiastic Colombian supporters enjoying the Arredondo and Quintana dominated podium | 
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Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) on the podium again to receive another KOM jersey | 
Julian Arredondo (Trek Factory) kissing the Maglia Azzurra which will be his to the end now | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) back on the podium to receive the white jersey for best young rider | 
Quintana showing fine bouquet tossing form |
Stage 19: Bassano del Grappa → Monte Grappa, 26.8 km Full Results and Report
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Luca Paolini (Katusha) and his colorful follower(s) | 
Action from earlier in the stage | 
Dare we say, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) looked extraterrestrial today | 
That is a game face for you | 
Your race leader out of the gates | 
Race leader, Nairo Quintana (Movistar), was both resplendent and fast in his tip to toe pink kit complete with gogo boots. (He had changed from the TT bike and helmet at this point) | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) working his way through the crowds on Monte Grappa | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) on his way to winning the 28.6 km Monte Grappa ITT in 1:05:37 extending his overall lead to 3:07 | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and a nice perspective on 19.3 km @ 7.9 %, max 14 % Monte Grappa TT climb | 
Digging for the line, adding seconds to his advantage | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) clocking the best | 
Fabio ARU (ASTANA) crushed the best time when he came through but Quintana beat it and he settled for 2nd + 17s, now 3rd overall + 3:48 | 
Fabio Aru (Astana) passed his three minute man, Rafal Majka (Tinkoff - Saxo), who was 7th + 3:28 | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) getting ready to head down the ramp | 
3rd Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) + 1:26, 2nd overall + 3:07 | 
4th Pierre Rolland (Europcar) + 1:57 and 4th overall + 5:26 | 
5th Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) + 2:24 and 5th overall + 6:16 | 
11th Cadel Evans (Bmc) + 4:26, up two places to 7th overall + 9:25 | 
16th Wilko Kelderman (Belkin) + 4:52 | 
Your stage 19 ITT winner, Nairo Quintana (Movistar). “I took the questions the press has been asking me seriously, and said to myself 'Today, I have what it takes to win the Giro.' I didn’t want to say so before, but [mountain time trials] are my speciality so I couldn’t let this stage go without winning it, especially on the day my family came from Colombia to visit me. It gave me strength. So too did the work of the team who helped me prepare for today’s stage.” | 
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Nairo Quintana (Movistar) celebrates his commanding lead heading into one final mountain stage. “I’ve reconnoitred the start of the Zoncolan. I like it a lot: It’s pretty demanding, but those are the mountains I like. I couldn’t see it all because when I went there, months ago, it was covered in snow. We’ll see how the team is tomorrow - from what I’ve seen, it will be very good. We’ll see how the race goes, and if I feel good, why not try for the stage win - help a team-mate: don’t forget, one of my team-mates [Igor Antón] has already won on the Zoncolan.” | 
The top of Cima Grappa | 
Close up | 
After the stage, at the military cemetery on Cima Grappa, Fabio Aru paid homage to the fallen in the two world wars, laying a laurel crown on behalf of the Giro d'italia. (video) |
Stage 20: Maniago → Monte Zoncolan, 167 km Full Results and Report
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The winner's trophy is almost his; Nairo Quintana (Movistar) at the stage 20 start in Maniago | 
Leaving Maniago | 
Peloton and nice scenery near Maniago | 
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Dario Cataldo (Sky) leading the break past a well timed, integrated mural | 
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Nairo Quintana (Movistar) was the stage favorite, but he chose to take it easy today | 
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Peloton leading the chase for their man in Pink, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
The peloton on the cat 1 Passo del Pura (11.3 km @7.7 %, max 13 %) with 65 km to go | 
Pulling back higher up on Passo del Pura | 
Sella Razzo | 
Sella Razzo | 
Crowds at the top of Monte Zoncolan, one of the best natural theaters to watch a bike race | 
Fans lining the finishing climb, Monte Zoncolan (10.1 km @ 11.9 %, max 22 %) | 
Didi the devil gingerly (he has two new knees) doing his thing to encourage the break at the base of Monte Zoncolan | 
Fans waiting at the top | 
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Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo) leading Francesco Bongiorno (Bardiani CSF) shortly before a fan interfered win Bongiorno | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo) on his own now trying to channel out the crazy fans | 
Fans getting too close | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) nearing the top of Monte Zoncolan | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) stretching out his lead | 
2nd on the day, Franco Pellizotti (Androni Giocattoli) + 38s after catching 3rd Francesco Bongiorno (Bardiani CSF) + 49s | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) wins on Monte Zoncolan for his second win of the race | 
6th Robinson CHALAPUD (COLOMBIA) + 1:46 | 
Several minutes later, Rigoberto URAN (OMEGA PHARMA - QUICK-STEP) and Nairo QUINTANA (MOVISTAR) | 
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
22nd Fabio Aru (Astana) followed by 21st Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo), both finished + 4:59 | 
1 and 2 on GC crossing together; Nairo Quintana (Movistar), Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step), 17th and 18th + 4:45 | 
Axel Domont (Ag2r La Mondiale) paper by weave for 14th + 3:21 | 
Your stage 20 winner, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo) | 
Team owner, Olig Tinkoff celebrating as well | 
Olig Tinkoff sharing the limelight with his rider, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff - Saxo), | 
More riders coming through | 
Trailing riders | 
Locate Matteo Montaguti (Ag2r La Mondiale) amidst the crowd | 
One more shot of Monte Zoncolan | 
Soon to be your race winner, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) celebrating his race win on Monte Zoncolan | 
Movistar starts celebrating their overall win | 
Michael Rogers (Tinkoff Saxo) post-stage press conference:
The breakaway: “At the meeting this morning, Bjarne Riis said he wanted 2 riders in the breakaway. I was the last to get in. Nico Roche did great work and we found ourselves at the foot of the Zoncolan with a good advantage, and I managed the situation from there.”
The Zoncolan: “I didn’t know anything about the time gaps. I had no information from the car, and they probably had limited information from race radio. It was a time trial to the top. It’s the first time I’ve ridden up the Zoncolan, so I didn’t know it. I tried to get everything out, riding out of the seat sometimes, which isn’t easy for me. In the last 100m I knew I had it, but not before.” | 
The most beautiful win: “Every win is beautiful, but today, with the climb of the Zoncolan, the stage enters the history of cycling and of the Giro d’Italia. These are the climbs - the Stelvio, the Gavia, the Zoncolan: the famous ones. I think every cyclist dreams of winning on these climbs.” | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) post-stage press conference:
Coming to the Giro: “It was a pretty difficult decision on Eusebio’s part, but it was perhaps the best decision we could have taken. I’ve learned a great deal here: how to ride in different conditions, when I was ill, when I was wearing the Maglia Rosa… how to lead a team in a 3 week tour. I’m very grateful to the Giro d’Italia.” | 
The Zoncolan: “Today, it was a spectacular stage that added to my lead,in the Maglia Rosa which I won in a very difficult day when many didn’t want to see the beauty of the stage. This motivated me for the mountain time trial, when I demonstrated who I really am as a cyclist.” | 
Under par: “Even today, I was a bit ill. during the stage, the mucus made be feel ill, the effort too. I suffer as much as the rest because I’m a human being like everyone else. My legs hurt, but I managed it well, and looked tranquil, but inside I felt the pain.” |
Stage 21: Gemona → Trieste, 169 km Full Results and Report
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Race leader (winner), Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and top Italian rider, 3rd overall, Fabio Aru (Astana) at the stage 21, final day, start in Gemona del Friuli | 
Movistar, with their entire nine men squad still intact, celebrate their overall win during the rollout. Nairo Quintana: “The podium was emotional. I dedicate my victory to my team. Without them I’d never have reached Trieste as the winner. And when I say team, I mean everyone: the soigneurs, the mechanics, the press officer, everyone who was close to me. I also dedicate it to my family who came from Colombia to support me, and to my Colombian compatriots. I hope they enjoy this win.” | 
Crowded, busy finishing circuits in Trieste | 
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) in Trieste | 
Movistar at the front for the race leader, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) | 
Sprint finish in Trieste; Luka Mezgec (Giant - Shimano) zoomed to the front passing several riders in the final 100m. | 
4th runner-up finish at the Giro this month for Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing). Luka Mezgec (Giant - Shimano) wins ahead of 2nd Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek Factory Racing), 3rd Tyler Farrar (Garmin Sharp), 4th Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) | 
Luka Mezgec (Giant Shimano): “The last 5-600 metres were hectic. I thought I was in a really good position 500m out, then riders came over from my left, and with 350 m to go I thought it was all over because I was in the middle of the group. I saw a free spot on the right hand side and I moved into it, just hoping that it wouldn’t close. I can say I had quite a bit of luck today, but I had bad luck to lose my chain with 300m to go in stage 4 in Bari, when I almost and victory in my grasp, so today, the stars on my side.” | 
Stage 21 winner, Luka Mezgec (Giant - Shimano). The closest thing to a home win for the Slovenian given that today's finish host, Trieste, is just west of the Slovenian border. | 
Family in Pink; Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and his new born in Trieste | 
Your 2014 Giro d'Italia overall podium, Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma - Quick Step) + 2:58, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) 88:14:32, Fabio Aru (Astana) + 4:04 | 
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Nairo Quintana (Movistar): “I dreamed about winning the Giro. but every rider dreams. Last year, after I finished 2nd in the Tour, my dream seemed much closer. It was a precocious dream, and I’m still very young, with my 24 years, but I’ve won the race that I dreamed of.” | 
No words: “I feel great happiness. even if I don’t have words to express it. I feel huge emotions inside. To see so many people celebrating - Italian, Colombians, my family - it’s really wonderful.” | 
“I hope people will see now that Colombia isn’t what it was 20 years ago. It has changed a lot. Life is peaceful and good now. Small steps have been taken towards peace: a process is going on now, and I hope in my heart that the progress that is happening now will come to fruition.” |
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