CyclingRevealed's Giro Perspective
Tappa 3- May 10th, Diamante to Giffoni Valle Plana, 210 km
Life's a Beach
Exiting the toe of southern Italy the Giro’s northward journey continued on stage 3 up the Tirrenian coast. The stage leaves the beautiful beach resort of Dimante and rolls inland before finishing in the cultural center of Giffoni Valle Piana.
From the beach at Dimante (L) up the Tirrenian coast [ Images from Italy Travel ]
Eight kilometers into the stage Colombia-Selle Italia’s Russell Van Hout (Aus) launched a solo attack and built a 15 minute advantage.
Entering the final two hours the teams of the contenders began a hard chase. At the base of the 6 km climb to Santa Tecla Van Hout’s adventure was over. Immediately Danilo Di Luca increased the tempo putting the Maglia Rosa Robbie McEwen in difficultly.
Koldo Gil and Danilo Di Luca attacks the climb [ Image by La Gazetta ]
The effort shattered the peloton and only a handful of contenders plunged into Giffoni Valle Piana. Di Luca’s Liquigas teammates had the elite group strung out single file. Into the finishing straight only Damiano Cunego contested the sprint for the stage win. Di Luca’s closing speed held off the “Kid” for the stage win.
ProTour leader in white Danilo Di Luca nips Damiano Cunego for the stage win [ Image by La Gazetta ]
Quick Step’s Paolo Bettini recaptured the Maglia Rosa (Pink leader’s Jersey). Danilo Di Luca moved well up in the General Classification only 9 seconds behind Bettini.
Paolo Bettini recaptured the Pink Jersey [ Image by La Gazetta ]
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