Giro d'Italia

Five classified climbs including the gruelling Mortirolo, an elevation gain of more than 5000 meters, over six hours in the saddle, low temperatures and a stage finish at 2345 meters – none of these could stop Jan Hirt from finishing tenth on the draining queen stage of the Corsa Rosa and moving up three places in the general classification ahead of the last race day.

An amazing fighter, Jan Hirt produced what was arguably his most impressive ride at this edition, showcasing his strength and determination on the stinting double-digit ramps of Passo di Foscagno and Mottolino, the last two of the day’s five ascents, where the GC action was ignited by an attack of the maglia rosa, with 14 kilometers to go. Just like on the previous summit finishes of the Giro, Soudal Quick-Step’s Czech remained calm and maintained a solid tempo which allowed him to finish top ten in Livigno, at the end of this highly selective stage.

The 222km relentless trek through Lombardia was animated by a huge breakaway group, where both Julian Alaphilippe and Mauri Vansevenant were present from the beginning of the day. The Frenchman – victorious in Fano and arguably the most combative rider of the race so far – and his younger teammate remained there until the final 30 kilometers, when the significant effort they put in up until that point began taking their toll on them. The duo was eventually caught and passed by the group of Hirt, from where the 33-year-old – runner-up in Oman three months ago – climbed to tenth place in the standings.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images