Giro d'Italia (2016) Photos May 6 - 29

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16 Big Photos from the 2016 Giro d'Italia Route Presentation	31 Big Photos with quotes from the Race Favorites Pre-Race Press Conference	39 Big Photos from the Teams Presentation

Stage 1:  Apeldoorn → Apeldoorn, 9.8 km  Full Results and Report

Riders started the Stage 1 TT from the velodrome in Apeldoorn, site of the 2011 Track World Championships		The exit from the velodrome
	Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) was the favorite for the 9.8 km TT in his home country	Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN)
Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) in the final meters before he won in a time of 11:03 by a split second over...		No one expected Primož ROGLIC (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) to do well including our photographer (this is a file photo). He was the intermediate leader and missed a big upset by a fraction of a second
	3rd Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR) + 6s	4th Tobias LUDVIGSSON (GIANT - ALPECIN) + 8s eluded our photographer as well, but we found him on the podium as the best young rider. "I was really nervous in the hot seat waiting for the favourites to arrive. My time seemed to be a good one so I believed I was going to make the top three. I’m fourth and a bit disappointed but at the same time it’s the biggest result of my career so far and it’s a little bit unreal to be part of the team with the pink jersey through Tom [Dumoulin]. We’ll support him as much as we can"
5th Marcel KITTEL (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 11s	6th Moreno MOSER (CANNONDALE) + 12s	7th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 13s
Fabian Cancellara (Trek Segafredo)	8th Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 14s	Water please
He was sick in the lead up to the Giro and he didn't look too good post race: "destroyed... I did what I could"		9th Matthias BRANDLE (IAM CYCLING) + 14s
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)	17th Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) + 19s	23rd Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 24s
Your Stage 1 winner, Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) relieved to pull out a narrow win	"It sounds like I’ve made a few people happy today, hearing all the people who were shouting my name after I won, but mostly I made myself happy. It’s a very emotional moment. It’s a crazy feeling. In cycling, plans usually don’t work. I really meant it when I said that it would be hard to win this time trial. I knew that Primoz Roğlic had set a good time. When I crossed the line, I thought I was three seconds ahead of him, but we were actually on the same time. I’ve felt frustrated on a few occasions this year with second places in time trials but luck was on my side this time. It doesn’t matter if I win by a hundredth of a second, one second or ten seconds. It’s an important step in my career. I didn’t grow up in a cycling environment but I’ve learned enough about the history of cycling to understand the meaning of the pink jersey. I hope I still have it when we arrive in Italy but it will be hard to keep it against the sprinters who will fight for time bonusses. However I’ll do my best to wear the pink jersey in this beautiful country. The weather forecast is good for the next two days and I believe a lot of people will be out on the road to cheer me on. It’s very special to be in this position in the Netherlands".	Local dutch boy in Pink too
First goal achieved	A royal reception every Dutch winner would like	Oh yeah, he won another jersey. The podium is always one-sided after an opening TT.
Normally they reuse these for the next TT or is this souvenir

Stage 2:  Arnhem → Nijmegen, 190 km  Full Results and Report

The winner's trophy arrives... lets look excited	Sonny COLBRELLI (BARDIANI CSF)	Alexander KOLOBNEV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO)
GAZPROM-RUSVELO	Marcel KITTEL (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	Surprisingly, André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL) wasn't a factor in the sprint finish today
Davide FORMOLO (CANNONDALE)	Daniel OSS (BMC)	Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO)
Vincenzo Nibali (ASTANA)	Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)	Vincenzo Nibali (ASTANA)
Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)	Caleb EWAN and Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE)	Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE)
The traditional morning realize of the pink balloons by the race leader		The start scene in Arnhem
The start scene in Arnhem	There are privileges to wearing pink	The well attended rollout from Arnhem
Flat, stereotypical Dutch landscape in the first half of the race		Gentle hills in the second half amidst large crowds
		Onto the finishing circuit in Nijmegen, 190 km later
Last break survivor, Giacomo BERLATO (NIPPO - VINI FANTINI), dangling out front starting the final lap	The peloton taking its time...	although they look faster from this angle
The sprint finish in full flight	Marcel Kittel taking control
Marcel Kittel separating himself with every pedal stroke	The overhead angle does justice to his margin of victory	Kittel sits up with 15m to go
	Plenty of time for an extended victory salute	Marcel KITTEL (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) wins Stage 2... convincingly
Finish perspective	2nd Arnaud DEMARE (FDJ) right, and 3rd Sacha MODOLO (LAMPRE - MERIDA)	Better than a podium kiss
Your Stage 2 winner Marcel KITTEL (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) has won every road race of the Giro he's participated in (3)	Your race leader, Tom Dumoulin	Break rider, Omar FRAILE (DIMENSION DATA) won the first KOM jersey

Stage 3:  Nijmegen → Arnhem, 190 km  Full Results and Report

The final of three stages in the Netherlands
	Maarten Tjallingii leading the break into his hometown, Arnhem
	Marcel Kittel powering away from the boys behind during the sprint finish in Arnhem
	Stage 3 winner, Marcel Kittel is now 4 for 4 in road races at the Giro
		Best KOM jersey ceremony ever; local boy Maarten Tjallingii celebrates in his hometown, Arnhem
A pear of stage wins

Stage 4:  Catanzaro → Praia a Mare, 200 km  Full Results and Report

The Giro has returned to Italy	Sonny Colbrelli (Bardiani Csf) was one of the favorites today but it was a harder stage than expected and he finished outside the top 10	With the race back in Italy, Italian fans get to greet Vincenzo Nibali for the first time at the Giro since he won it in 2013
Vincenzo Nibali signing in	Daniel Oss (Bmc Racing)	Tom Dumoulin would find himself back in Pink again at the end of the day
For now, Marcel Kittel has the Pink Jersey	Marcel Kittel enjoying his first and only day in Pink. Today was much too hard for the sprinters	Sign in photo op
Start scene in Catanzaro		Maartin Tjallingii and Marcel Kittel
	Marcel Kittel was a little nervous before today's stage
Lumpy/ hilly coastal route		The break hits the final climb, Via Del Fortino max 18%
The camera man focused on the view	Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA) leading Tim WELLENs
	The peloton lead by Astana 20s back	16:59:12 165912_587864033.jpg
A lumpy stage, Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA) made his winning move from the break on the climb 10 km from the finish	The chase which included Tom Dumoulin	Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA) held on to win Stage 4 after the flat run into Praia a Mare
Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN), blurry in the distance, about to finish 2nd + 5s	Third Giro in a row Ullisi has won a stage, five in total now
2nd Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) + 5s and 3rd Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO)	Alejandro VALVERDE BELMONTE (MOVISTAR) leads the GC favorites across for 4th + 6s	The winner looking for his teammates
An Italian winner is always popular		Five wins at the Giro and don't forget it
Your Stage 4 winner, Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA)... now a 5x stage winner at the Giro
Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN), second today and now back in Pink... by a healthy 20s

Stage 5:  Praia a Mare → Benevento, 233 km  Full Results and Report

Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) rolling into Praia A Mare	Birthday boy, Marcel Kittel	Marcel Kittel is 28 years old today
Yesterday's Stage 4 winner, Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA)	Daniel Oss before his nasty crash later in the day	Ag2r La Mondiale's Domenico Pozzovivo and Matteo Montaguti sorting things out
Tom Dumoulin back in Pink	Mikel Landa admits he suffered yesterday	A good TT posture has many uses
Tom Dumoulin and Marcel Kittel seem to enjoy trading Pink	Damiano Cunego in the KOM jersey. Yesterday was his first podium ceremony appearance at the Giro in 12 years	Pretty in Pink
Best young rider, Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quick Step)	The rollout from yesterday's finish and today's start Praia A Mare
The lumpy route to Benevento	The four men break with 6+ minute gap as the chalkboard says	The uphill sprint finish in Benevento
		André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL) powered away in the final 300m to claim Stage 5 in Benevento
The winning margin	André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL) has won a stage in every Giro he's participated in	André Greipel: “The whole stage was quite hard. Before the start, we planned to remain in the top ten positions during all of the final lap. Jurgen Roelandts rode at the front from 5km to go until 1.5km, it was more than we expected, so after he had worked so hard, I had no choice but to win. The sprints aren’t just between Marcel Kittel and me. There are a lot of good sprinters in this race. He’s hard to beat when he’s set up by his team. He’s on another level as a sprinter these days. I wouldn’t say we’re rivals. I’m not getting any younger but I’ll do my best until the end of my career”.
Greipel flexed his muscles today and has now won a Grand Tour every year since 2008		17:12:44 Andre; Benevento; 171244_588219614.jpg
	Your Stage 5 winner, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal)
Tom Dumoulin donning his fourth Pink jersey in five days	Takes a 16s lead into the first mountain stage
	Damiano Cunego is enjoying being part of the Giro podium ceremony for the first time in 12 years as the KOM leader	Tom Dumoulin: “Tomorrow’s stage should suit me. It’s an uphill finish but not too hard. The Arezzo stage should suit me too. I have ridden the Strade Bianche twice. I liked it and I was good at it. I’ll definitely defend the Maglia Rosa, although it all depends on the legs. Yesterday they were good, today they were less good but it was actually a good stage to have a bad day. I hope for the best tomorrow”.

Stage 6:  Ponte → Roccaraso, 157 km  Full Results and Report

One of today's favorites, Alejandro VALVERDE signing-in for Stage 6 in Ponte	Vincenzo NIBALI's (ASTANA) attack of the GC favorites with 3 km to go backfired and he finished 17th + 1:43	On the other hand, Tom DUMOULIN's (GIANT - ALPECIN) attack extended his overall lead
Tom Dumoulin and Marcel Kittel once again were called up first	The rollout from Ponte
Two cat 2 climbs along the 157 km route	GIANT - ALPECIN at the front of the peloton
The break of five riders had a sizable six minute gap at the base of the finishing climb, 18 km @ 4.1% to Roccaraso	Tim WELLENS (LOTTO SOUDAL) attack	The GC group well back
Tim WELLENS (LOTTO SOUDAL) solos to the top of Roccaraso and joins the names of Fausto Coppi, Bernard Hinault, and Moreno Argentin to win here
The battle for second	2nd Jakob FUGLSANG (ASTANA) + 1:19 and 3rd Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA)	4th Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) + 1:22
Despite appearances, it was a good day Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) would extended his lead to 26s	5th Kanstantsin SIUTSOU (DIMENSION DATA) + 1:24 and 6th Domenico POZZOVIVO (AG2R LA MONDIALE)
7th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 1:29	8th Rigoberto URAN (CANNONDALE) + 1:33 and 9th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF) with 10th Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 1:36	11th Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 1:36 in the same time as Valvarde
Tagged as a favorite today by some, Sergey FIRSANOV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) was 12th + 1:39	17th Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) + 1:43 blamed a tactical mistake for his poor showing ie. an ill-advised attack into the wind with 3 km to go	Your Stage 6 winner, Tim WELLENS (LOTTO SOUDAL)
A tough stage, but Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) extended his lead to 26s

Stage 7:  Sulmona → Foligno, 211 km  Full Results and Report

Ancient aquaduct at the Stage 7 start in Sulmona	André GREIPEL, (LOTTO SOUDAL) we'll see him again later	Movistar legs
Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)	Darwin Atapuma (Bmc Racing)	Svein Tuft (Orica GreenEdge)
Orica GreenEdge during the teams presentation	Best young rider so far, Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP). “Of course I’m pretty happy to retain the Maglia Bianca. It was real racing today! Sprinters’ stages at the Giro aren’t really sprinters’ stages. They’re very hard for the sprinters. Marcel [Kittel] lost the wheels on a climb. The guys brought him back but later he had a flat tyre [with 7km to go]. He was unlucky. We have a time trial coming up. It has always been one of my favourite type of race. I did a recon of the time trial route after Strade Bianche in March, but before I completely focus on the time trial we have another hard one tomorrow with a sector of gravel roads at the end. It’s long but not too hard. The most critical point will be the descent. I hope the weather will be OK.”
Fabian Cancellara	Stage 7 rollout from Sulmona
	André Greipel and Tom Dumoulin	Today was the first time live on-board footage has been broadcast during the Giro d'Italia
Marcel Kittel flatted before the finish	Not today for Marcel Kittel	The Stage 8 sprint finish in Foligno
André Greipel front and center	Close-up	Shutting it down
André GREIPEL, (LOTTO SOUDAL) wins Stage 7	Finish perspective
Marcel Kittel lost a chance at the win and his red jersey	Stage 8 winner and new red jersey leader, André GREIPEL, (LOTTO SOUDAL)
	Lotto Soudal has a lot to celebrate the last three days...	Tim Wellens in Blue and André Greipel, KOM and Points leaders, respectively and also the winners of the last three stages. André Greipel said at the press conference: “Three stage wins are more than we expected. We have already won three stages out of seven. It’s impressive for us. We are just trying to enjoy the moment. I always try to do my best. I have a good background for my team-mates to set me up before the sprints. Hard work is the key to success. I’m glad I’ve managed to remain competitive since I started winning at Grand Tours in 2008.”
Race leader, Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN), will take a 26s lead into the weekend stages	“Tomorrow I don’t think the weather conditions will make a huge difference. We might look dirtier if it rains. We only climb on the gravel road, we don't descend, so I’m not worried. I don’t want to be a cyclist who is away from home all the time. I’ll go on altitude training camp after the Giro as a preparation for the Olympics. Maybe I’ll be riding the Giro for GC anyway. I’ll take it day by day and we’ll see. But home time is the reason why I didn't train in the mountains. I’m not scared of the last week in terms of the quality of my team. I wouldn’t have been in the Maglia Rosa so long if I didn’t have a good team around me. I’m sure that Georg Preidler and Tobias Ludvigsson will be up there to help me.”

Stage 8:  Foligno → Arezzo, 186 km  Full Results and Report

Stage 8 started from where we left off yesterday in Foligno	Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) signing in before losing the Pink Jersey	The rollout from Foligno
		Here comes our solo rider off the front...
Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) loves the gravel roads of Tuscany	Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) powering up Alpe di Poti	Over the top and 15 km to the finish
2nd today, Matteo MONTAGUTI (AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 1:06	3rd Moreno MOSER (CANNONDALE) + 1:27 making it an all Italian top 3	The GC contenders led by Vincenzo NIBALI and Alejandro VALVERDE
The GC group finished 1:43 back	Top English-speaking rider today and on GC, 29th Ryder HESJEDAL (TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 2:35 and 22nd overall	The loser in the dust up; the Pink Jersey, 38th Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) + 2:51 dropping him out of the top 10
Gruppetto scenery shot	Gruppetto scenery shot on Alpe di Poti	Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) on the technical descent to the finish
An impressive solo win by Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) after a very fast stage	Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) wins by over 1 minute on the next rider on the road and 1:41 on the GC contenders to move into the race lead	Finish perspective in Arezzo
It was a long victory celebration	Vincenzo Nibali talking about how he lost more time (just 3 seconds today) to Alejandro Valverde	Alejandro Valverde after leading some of the GC contenders across for 6th + 1:41
Italy... it is Gianluca Brambilla's (hang) time	Your Stage 8 winner, an enthusiastic Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	Second Italian winner at this year's race... a proper looking cyclist
And new race leader, Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) by 23s... first time in his 7 year career that he's led a stage race	Lapping it up	A special moment especially for an Italian rider... "This is amazing! My idea at the beginning of the Giro was to focus on today's stage and I've made it but I cannot beieve that I've done it. I have to thank Matteo Trentin because he did an excellent job. I was the rider who initiated the breakaway but he did most of the work until I rode away in the steep part of the climb. I'm delighted. Everything is going well for me this year. The birth of my daughter Asia twenty days ago has also changed my life. It's beautiful".
Lets get this party started

Stage 9:  Radda in Chianti → Greve in Chianti , 40.5 km  Full Results and Report

Primoz Roglic (Lotto NL - Jumbo) benefited from the early dry roads on his way to posting the best time, 40.5 km in 51.45, which stood after rain impacted the later riders	Without much fanfare, Primoz Roglic (Lotto NL - Jumbo) clocks in at 51:45, a time that stood	Primoz Roglic (Lotto NL - Jumbo)
2nd Matthias BRANDLE (IAM CYCLING) + 10s	3rd Vegard Stake LAENGEN (IAM CYCLING) + 17s	He had great weather for his ride, but he is still not healthy, 4th Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 28s
Maybe the best ride of the day considering the rainy conditions the later half of the field faced, 6th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 45s which puts him in 2nd just 1s out of the lead	15th Tom DUMOULIN (GIANT - ALPECIN) + 1:58	Last man on the course, race leader Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)
Like all the other GC riders, Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) had to battle through wet conditions	Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) posted a solid 17th placing + 2:05 which was good enough to keep the pink jersey by 1s and he beat...	19th Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) + 2:13 which moves him up to 5th overall
20th Mikel LANDA (SKY) + 2:20	23rd Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 2:24	Pegged as the potential leader of the race after this stage, Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA) crashed several times and dropped out of the top 10
Robbie McEwen via ‏@mwkeenan pointed out that Brambilla was 16sec faster on the final wet descent than Nibali. Big risks for pink	Your Stage 9 ITT winner, Primoz Roglic (Lotto NL - Jumbo)
And Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) keeps the Pink Jersey by just 1s

Stage 10:  Campi Bisenzio → Sestola, 219 km  Full Results and Report

Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) releasing the pink balloons before his final day in the leader's jersey	Mikel Landa signing in for his last day at the Giro, he later abandoned Stage 10 due to illness	The rollout from Campi Bisenzio
Giovanni Visconti leading the break over the hilly course		Race leader, Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)
	Tinkoff descending in formation
	From the break, Giulio CICCONE (BARDIANI CSF) solos the cat 3 climb to Sestola	After being dropped on the previous climb, Gianluca Brambilla descended with abandon, clawed back to the GC group on the final climb and then helped his teammate Bob Jungels gain the Pink jersey
Break survivor, Giulio CICCONE (BARDIANI CSF), solos the cat 3 climb to Sestola to win by 42s		Finish perspective
The 21 year old neo-pro was overjoyed with winning his first professional race at the Giro		Proud bike sponsor, Mario Cipollini
2nd Ivan ROVNY (TINKOFF) + 42s	3rd Darwin ATAPUMA (BMC RACING) + 1:20	4th Nathan BROWN (CANNONDALE) + 1:53 and blurry in the distance 5th Damiano CUNEGO (NIPPO - VINI FANTINI) + 2:04
Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) did a massive pull near the finish to bring back the GC contenders	Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) riding his way to Pink while the others benefit from his efforts
	6th Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR) + 2:10 and 7th Giovanni VISCONTI (MOVISTAR) + 2:11 followed by the GC contenders	8th Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) looks for any gap followed by 9th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) and 10th Jakob FUGLSANG (ASTANA)
9th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) and 10th overall	Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) gave the Pink Jersey to his teammate today. He wanted to keep it today because tomorrow's stage finishes near his home. Unfortunately, he struggled on the final climb, clawed back on and then spent his final bullets leading the chase for his teammate Bob Jungels.	Wrecked for his Pink Jersey efforts
New race leader, Bob Jungels, post race	Gianluca BRAMBILLA is a classy guy and a great teammate. Read more: Brambilla's sacrifice helps Jungels into pink jersey at Giro d'Italia — cyclingnews
Your Stage 10 winner, Giulio CICCONE (BARDIANI CSF), just 21 years old... the youngest rider on his team	New leader, Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) by 26s	Bob JUNGELS is the third ETIXX - QUICK STEP rider to wear Pink at this year's race
Damiano Cunego in the break today and back in the KOM jersey after this 5th place finish

Stage 11:  Modena → Asolo, 229 km  Full Results and Report

The stage 11 start in Modena		Race director, Mauro Vegni
		Race leader, Bob Jungels
Race director, Mauro Vegni and MicheleScarponi sharing a quiet moment	A photo-op with Vincenzo Nibali	Bob Jungels is standing tall these days
The rollout from Modena, a flat stage with a bob and weave finish		Crash with Lee Howard in the water (video)
The hilly part near the finish
The finish in Asolo with the three men break ahead of the field by 13s	Diego Ulissi was the best sprinter in this group	Three men sprint after a late break won by Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA)
Finish perspective	2nd Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR) and 3rd Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP), 13s ahead of the field
Diego Ulissi loves his home race. He's now a 6x time stage winner.		Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO) takes the sprint for 4th 13s later
Your Stage 11 winner, Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA)	Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA) has now won more career Giro d'Italia stages (6) than any other rider in the field	With his effort in the break, Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) extended his overall lead on every one except Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR)
Everybody loves a winner		Two women take a selfie with Bob Jungels
Moto GP rider Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) with Stage 11 winner Diego Ulisssi

Stage 12:  Noale → Bibione, 182 km  Full Results and Report

Vincenzo Nibali signing in	On stage for the official sign in and interview
Today was a sprint stage, but it was raining at the start which didn't appeal to André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL). Fortunately, for him it was dry at the finish.	Rollout from Stage 12 in Noale	It was a very flat and dull stage... dull weather and action
		The sun shone on the finishing circuit much to André GREIPEL's (LOTTO SOUDAL) liking
After a great leadout, André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL) took command of the final sprint against the smaller, less experienced Caleb Ewen (Orica GreenEdge)		André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL) wins Stage 12 in Bibione
		With the finishing circuit neutralized due to bad weather (hmm), the GC contenders took their time crossing the line
Your Stage 12 winner, André GREIPEL (LOTTO SOUDAL)		Three wins in a row before he goes home
Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) will take a 24s lead into the first big mountain stage on Friday	Damiano Cunego (Nippo Vini Fantini) continues to lead the mountains competition

Stage 13:  Palmanova → Cividale del Friuli, 170 km  Full Results and Report

Bob Jungels posing for his final day in Pink	Stage 13 start scene in Palmanova	Vincenzo Nibali
Alejandro Valvarde	The rollout from Palmanova	Stage 13 rollout
Damiano Cunego and Giovanni Visconti battling it out during a mid race KOM sprint at the front of the race	Visconti collides with Cunego at the top and crashes (video)	Lone break survivor from the very large early break, Mike Nieve
Chaves and Valvarde	Nibali temporarily gapping the GC group	Mikel NIEVE (SKY) in the final km of his solo win.
Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR) drives the GC group	Vincenzo Nibali won the GC sprint for the 3rd place bonus seconds + 1:17	The back of this group
Gianluca Brambilla leads in his teammate and now former race leader, 17th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 2:07	Mikel NIEVE (SKY) wins in Cividale del Friuli with no one else in the shot
Redemption for Team Sky after a disappointing Giro to date	2nd Giovanni VISCONTI (MOVISTAR) + 43s	3rd Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) + 1:17 and 4th Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)
17th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 2:07 and out of Pink	Your Stage 13 winner, Mikel NIEVE (SKY) is good at the long mountainous stages	New race leader, Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR)
Not only the First Costa Rican to wear the Pink Jersey, but the first to lead a Grand Tour
Costa Rican fan club

Stage 14:  Alpago → Corvara, 210 km  Full Results and Report

Phew! Greeted by beautiful weather for bike racing in the Dolomites	Nibali signing in	Valvarde signing a Nibali T-Shirt
	One and out. Andrey AMADOR (MOVISTAR) signing in for his first and only day in Pink
First over picturesque Passo Sella David Lopez (Team Sky)	Roche and Atapuma, 2nd and 3rd over Passo Sella
KOM leader Damiano Cunego earned more points today
		The GC group on Passo Sella
The GC group on Passo Sella	GC group on on Passo Sella
	Ryder HESJEDAL (Trek) before he abandoned	Valvarde and Nibali descending Passo Sella
The GC group descending Passo Sella		25 km to go: Steven Kruijswijk (Lotto Jumbo) lead an attack
The winning move also included Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) and Georg PREIDLER (GIANT - ALPECIN)	Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) looked good must of the day but was dropped in the decisive GC attack	Further back, Alejandro Valverde had a "tough time in the altitude"
One and out. Despite much encouragement Andrei Amador (Movistar) lost his Pink Jersey		Chaves and Kruijswijk after dropping Nibali
It was hard to concentrate on the racing	Chaves and Kruijswijk caught lone break survivor John Atapuma in the final kms	In just over 6 hrs, Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) wins the Queen Stage of this year's Giro
	2nd Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 3rd Georg PREIDLER (GIANT - ALPECIN), 4th Darwin ATAPUMA (BMC RACING) + 6s
	5th Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) + 37s and 6th Kanstantsin SIUTSOU (DIMENSION DATA)	8th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF) and 7th Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA) + 2:29
11th Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 3:00
Your Stage 14 and Queen Stage winner, Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE)
2nd today and now new race leader by a healthy 41s, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO)	It was a toothy podium ceremony today	So long from a beautiful day in the Dolomites

Stage 15:  Castelrotto → Alpe di Siusi, 10.8 km  Full Results and Report

Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) beat the previous best intermediate time by 1:25	Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) won the 10.8 km mountain TT in 28:39
This was the only downhill portion of the course; race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) was last man down the ramp	Without much fanfare, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) blazed through the first check point faster than anyone else	2nd Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) by a fraction of a second... he could have used a bike throw. But, best among the GC contenders and extends his lead to over 2 minutes
3rd Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 23s, 4th overall + 3:29	Esteban CHAVES	6th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 40s, 2nd overall + 2:12
7th ZAKARIN, Ilnur (KATUSHA) + 47s, 6th overall + 4:40	9th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 1:04	10th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF) + 1:09
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) waiting for a new bike after his mechanical	A disappointing ride for Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA), 25th + 2:12 dropping him to 3rd + 2:51	Your surprise Stage 15 ITT winner, Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO)
Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO)	Nice champagne spray by the Stage 15 winner, Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO)	Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) breathes easy. He now has a commanding lead of over 2 minutes

Stage 16:  Bressanone Brixen → Andalo, 132 km  Full Results and Report

Local Bolzano resident, Manuel QUINZIATO (BMC)	The ever smiling Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE)	Race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO)
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)	Dropping the flag after the neutral Stage 16 start
Scenery from the first climb, Passo della Mendola		Attack by the GC group on Passo della Mendola
The descent		Final climb with Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA) leading Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) and Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO)
	Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) gained ground on the final climb here followed by Christian KNEES (SKY)	Domenico POZZOVIVO (AG2R LA MONDIALE) and Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)
The Cannondale riders further back	Near the finish, Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) leading Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) and Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA)
Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) sprints away from Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) to win Stage 16
3rd in the distance, Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA) + 8s
3rd Ilnur ZAKARIN (KATUSHA) + 8s	4th Diego ULISSI (LAMPRE - MERIDA) + 37s and 5th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	7th Sergey FIRSANOV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) + 38s and 6th Christian KNEES (SKY)
8th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 42s	9th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF) + 50s	10th Domenico POZZOVIVO (AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 1:47 and 11th Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)
Your Stage 16 winner, Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)
		2nd today, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) extends his race lead to 3 minutes
The grupetto raced hard to make the time cut and avoid be disqualified

Stage 17:  Molveno → Cassano d'Adda, 196 km  Full Results and Report

Serene picturesque backdrop to the Stage 17 start in Molveno	Race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK, bridging the gap	Yesterday's stage winner, Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR), was obviously in good spirits
Points leader, Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO), was hoping to finally get a sprint win today	Alpine ski star Aksel Lund Svindal	Filippo POZZATO put in a nice dig with 500m to go
BMC	Race director, Mauro Vegni	Vincenzo Nibali
Steven KRUIJSWIJK	Best young rider and (best hair in the peloton), Bob JUNGELS (TREK - SEGAFREDO)	Race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK, keeping cool and hydrated prior to Stage 17
	The roll out from Molveno
Roger KLUGE (IAM CYCLING) successfully countered Filippo POZZATO's late attack and spoiled the sprint finish in Cassano d'Adda	Roger KLUGE put his track skills to go use today	Points leader, Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO) 2nd today right, will have to wait for another day; however, they are running out for the sprinters
Your Stage 17 winner, Roger KLUGE (IAM CYCLING)	Roger KLUGE (IAM CYCLING)	A safe day for race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO)

Stage 18:  Muggiò → Pinerolo, 244 km  Full Results and Report

Rolling into Muggiò for Stage 18	Steven Kruijswijk's pink race leader's bike	Giacomo Nizzolo was all smiles despite missing out on the sprint finish yesterday
He can't wait any longer to fire off a victory salute at the Giro. After yesterday's 2nd place, Giacomo Nizzolo now has 13 top 3s at the Giro without a victory		The focus of attention is on race leader, Steven Kruijswijk
	Diego Ullisi
Vincenzo Nibali signing in	Steven Kruijswijk signing in	The rollout from Muggiò for Stage 18
	Pavel Brutt on the first pass of the cobbled climb near the finish
The GC group	Next time over the cobbled climb, Italians Gianluca Brambilla and Moreno Moser, at the front of the race
12s back was Matteo Trentin		The GC was 13 mins back
		Matteo TRENTIN (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) snuck up on Moreno MOSER (CANNONDALE) in the final 350m and surged past him
	Matteo TRENTIN (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) wins ahead of Moreno MOSER (CANNONDALE) and Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	“I finally believed I would win with 350 meters to go when I saw that they didn’t start sprinting early. I didn't ride so much as one metre with them. It was key that I saw the stage finish today [with one lap to go]. They were two great riders ahead of me: Moreno [Moser], who has won what he won and is now getting back to his level, and Gianluca [Brambilla] who has been doing great since the beginning of the season. When they rode away, my goal was to reach the top of the climb with a small deficit. Having Gianluca at the front, I didn’t have to ride with [Nikias] Arndt, [Sacha] Modolo and [Ivan] Rovny. Eventually I was able to attack them and make it across. I don’t think Moreno even saw me coming from behind but Gianluca knew as he was told via radio to stop pulling because I was right there”
Finish perspective in Pinerolo
15 mins later, Alejandro Valverde (Moviestar) led the GC group across	Your Stage 18 winner, Matteo TRENTIN (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	Three career Grand Tour stage wins now for Matteo TRENTIN (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)
		Race leader, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) will put to test again on mountainous Stage 19
	“It was a really long stage. My team did a perfect job today, with two guys pulling on the flat, others who brought me to the climbs, and Enrico [Battaglin], who did the whole climb by himself. We knew a breakaway would go to the finish, and also which riders and which teams would make it. It’s always more predictable at the end of the Giro. We controlled the race and stayed safe. I have been the team leader since the beginning, and I still have the same role in the team, although the Maglia Rosa gives me more confidence. I’m enjoying every moment in it. I hope I have made the race very attractive in the last week. I have received lots of support from the Italian fans, so I don’t think I’ve spoiled their party. As for tomorrow and Saturday, I’m looking forward to them. I’ve trained a lot in long climbs like this and I showed last week that I cope well with the altitude”.

Stage 19:  Guillestre → Sant'Anna di Vinadio, 134 km  Full Results and Report

Stage 19 start scene in Guillestre	Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) leading the way up Colle dell'Agnello	Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) leading the way up Colle dell'Agnello
Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) leading the way up Colle dell'Agnello	Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) leading the way up Colle dell'Agnello	Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) wins Colle dell'Agnello to claim the Cima Coppi (Highest pass) of this year's race
Vincenzo Nibali leads the GC group on the descent ahead of Esteban Chaves and race leader Steven Kruijswijk		Steven Kruijswijk fixing his bike after a spectacular crash
Vincenzo Nibali and Esteban Chaves at the base of the final climb to Risoul after distancing Steven Kruijswijk	Vincenzo Nibali at the front of the race
		Next on road, Mikel Nieve and Esteban Chaves
	Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) finished 6th + 2:14, dropping him to 4th overall
14th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 3:45	Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) trying to limited his losses
		Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) solos Risoul for the Stage 20 win
		2nd Mikel NIEVE (SKY) + 51s and 3rd Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 53s
		Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) didn't win, but it was enough to take the race lead
14th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 3:45		Battered Pink Jersey, Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) finished 16th + 4:54
		Your Stage 19 winner, Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)
		New race leader, Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) by 44s over stage winner, Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA)
		Michele SCARPONI (ASTANA) wins Colle dell'Agnello to claim the Cima Coppi (Highest pass) of this year's race
Grupetto on Risoul	Grupetto finishing at Risoul

Stage 20:  Guillestre → Sant'Anna di Vinadio, 134 km  Full Results and Report

The peloton rolling out from Guillestre for the final mountain stage	The peloton climbing, Col de la Bonette - 22.2 km at 6.7% max 10%	Astana passing through lots of snow on Col de la Bonette
	Despite the mountainous terrain, the GC contenders including Valvarde took it easy until late in the stage	Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) waited until the penultimate climb with less than 20 km to go to attack the Pink Jersey, Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) and Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR)
Fans with a high vantage point of the Stage 20 finish at Sant'Anna di Vinadio	Looking down at the final climb	Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov anxiously waiting with the crowd at the finish
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) stretched out his lead on the GC group on the descent and final climb		Italians urging on Nibali
Meanwhile, at the front of the race, break rider Rein TAARAMAE (KATUSHA) has dropped his breakmates	Less than a minute back, Darwin ATAPUMA (BMC RACING)	Joe DOMBROWSKI (CANNONDALE) was next on the road
Rein TAARAMAE (KATUSHA) solos to the finish	Rein TAARAMAE (KATUSHA) wins Stage 20 at Sant'Anna di Vinadio
2nd Darwin ATAPUMA (BMC RACING) + 52s	3rd Joe DOMBROWSKI (CANNONDALE) + 1:17	At 34th on GC, Joe DOMBROWSKI (CANNONDALE) will end this year's Giro as the top English-speaking rider (USA/CAN/GBR/AUS etc.)
Uphill mountain TT winner, Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) pedaling squares	4th Mikel NIEVE (SKY) + 4:12	5th Alexander FOLIFOROV (GAZPROM-RUSVELO) + 4:36
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) in the final km		Less than 20s back, Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) and Rigoberto URAN (CANNONDALE)
Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) leads teammate and best young rider, Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) 11th + 8:06	Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) and Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE)
Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) digging for the line, 6th + 6:44	Finish prespective
7th Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 6:57 and 8th Rigoberto URAN (CANNONDALE), moving Valvarde onto the podium	It was great to see a 3rd overall salute from a veteran	Astana celebrates
10th Rafal MAJKA (TINKOFF) + 8:06 and 11th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	Dropping off the podium today after losing the Pink Jersey yesterday, 13th Steven KRUIJSWIJK (LOTTO NL - JUMBO) + 8:13	The Pink Jersey, 14th Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 8:20
Not enough	Esteban CHAVES' parents are good sportspeople too... congratulating Vincenzo Nibali post race. No wonder their son has such a great personality	Solid efforts this month by Kanstantsin SIUTSOU (DIMENSION DATA) and Hubert DUPONT (AG2R LA MONDIALE) to finish 10th and 11th on GC
Valvarde and Nibali celebrate moving up to 3rd and 1st, respectively, today	Trailing riders frame a scenery shot	Gruppetto
	Stage winner and overall winner congratulate each other	Your Stage 20 winner, Rein TAARAMAE (KATUSHA). “It’s a very important victory. Yesterday, in a flash, we lost everything we had been working for over the previous three weeks. We actually had two hard times in this Giro, firstly when [Ilnur] Zakarin crashed three times in the individual time trial and lost his chances of winning the Giro. Today, over the radio, my sport director told me “Zakarin, Zakarin, think of Zakarin”. Today all the hard work has paid off. For Estonia, which is a very small country with only one million people, it’s a special day. Jaan Kirsipuu came second once in a stage of the Giro d'Italia, but I’m the first Estonian winner. I’ve done the Tour de France seven times, and the Vuelta three times. This was my first experience at the Giro and I can say this is the Grand Tour a rider can enjoy the most”.
	Donning the Pink Jersey when it counts most	Down 4:43 two days ago, Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) can hardly believe he's in Pink
	Astana celebrates their best team effort	“I knew today’s stage. I had climbed La Bonnette at the Tour de France [in 2008]. It’s very long and hard but the key point was La Lombarda. With Jakob Fuglsang and Michele Scarponi, we kept the race under control, while Tanel Kangert had gone ahead. After I accelerated, I was kept informed of the gaps. It was my first time racing against Esteban Chaves but I knew from last year’s Vuelta that he’d be hard to beat. I’ve kept pushing till the end. After I crossed the line, I listened to the speaker who was counting down the seconds, and only then did I realize that the Maglia Rosa was mine”.

Stage 21:  Cuneo → Torino, 163 km  Full Results and Report

The rollout for Stage 21... largely a ceremonial stage	The Astana team car was handing out champagne instead of water today	Finishing circuit in Torino for Stage 21
Sprint finish as expected	It looks like Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO) finally gets a win at the Giro d'Italia, but he was later relegated for deviating from his line and cutting off Sacha MODOLO (LAMPRE - MERIDA). In actual fact, he didn't deviate much as the road curved slightly at the finish.	Cruelly, after 13 top 3 career finishes at the Giro without a victory before today and now this one doesn't count for Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO)
This victory salute was for real, Vincenzo NIBALI (ASTANA) wins the Giro d'Italia	Nikias ARNDT (GIANT - ALPECIN) is awarded the Stage 21 win. “I saw the sprint from my side of the road, which was the other side from [Giacomo] Nizzolo and [Sacha] Modolo. It was nervous in the last kilometer. It was hectic through the corners but I just focused on myself. I crossed the line in second position. Afterwards it turned out that I won the stage. It was a surprise for me. The jury took its decision, it was a difficult one to take for sure. This is the biggest result of my career so far. I came here to go for the sprints and to win a stage. I had two good results before today but the win was missing. I can imagine Nizzolo is very disappointed but I hope he can enjoy the Maglia Rosa. He has had a good Giro”	Your 2016 Giro d'Italia podium, 2nd Esteban CHAVES (ORICA GreenEDGE) + 52s, 1st NIBALI, Vincenzo (ASTANA) 86:32:49, 3rd Alejandro VALVERDE (MOVISTAR) + 1:17
		“I had a stomach bug during the Giro but it’s better not to tell everything sometimes. The last rest day allowed me to get better. I never said that I wanted to go home. I always remained in the high part of the classification. Steven Kruijswijk had a good advantage after the Dolomites but I knew the highest mountains were yet to come. Riding above 2000 metres isn’t easy for anyone but I found myself in good shape. Kruijswijk crashed but towards the summit of the Colle d’Agnello, I noticed he was breathing heavily so I put pressure on him climbing and then descending. Had I not done so, probably nothing would have happened and [Esteban] Chaves would have had an easy ride as well. Everyone was watching me and I wasn’t used to race guys like [Tom] Dumoulin, Chaves and Kruijswijk. I don’t often look at my palmarès but when I do, I realize it’s rich of great successes"
		Rightfully upset winner of the sprint points competition, Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO). While other sprinters abandoned the jersey to preserve their strength for the Tour de France, Giacomo NIZZOLO stuck in out only to be (unjustly?) deigned a stage win at the end.
Giacomo NIZZOLO (TREK - SEGAFREDO)... winner of the angry dude competition	Mikel NIEVE (SKY) captured the KOM competition yesterday	Best young rider, 6th Bob JUNGELS (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 8:31
Astana celebrates another Grand Tour win