The Giro d'Italia top GC contenders wasted absolutely no time establishing their positions, creating a select group of about 33 riders that battled it out for the 222km, Stage 3 victory on Monday.
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Michal Golas made that select group of the medium mountain stage, finishing 25th, 50" back from stage winner Luca Paolini (Katusha). Paolini attacked with 6.5km to go as the group was strung out on a twisty, fast descent. Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) was 2nd, and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) was 3rd. Hesjedal was the catalyst for very aggressive riding in the final kilometers.
Serge Pauwels and Gianluca Brambilla of OPQS finished in a group just behind the top GC contenders, 1'52" back.
OPQS sprinter Mark Cavendish was guided to the finish by his teammates, crossing the line alongside Jerome Pineau and Julien Vermote.
OPQS looks next to another medium mountain stage (244km) on Tuesday. For more exclusive Giro content, follow our OPQS Giro blog.