Giro: Putting the 'A' back in Aggression

San Mauro Cilento.

Today's crazy steep climb up San Mauro Cilento and Sella di Catona and back down on the equally crazy descent was fever pitched starring Ryder Hesjedal's aggressive riding. He did that... and more.

The defending champ proved that he belonged in the hunt for his second Giro title. The technical descent was a good example for Hesjedal's MTB skills as he caused plenty of disorder for the top favorites. A startling ride, heroic to be sure but just enough to cause pandemonium in the peloton. Astana had to take up chase and expend energy and Scarponi crashed a loss time on a descent. 

Ryder...

 aggressive style.

Luca Paolini, 36 year old veteran and in his very first Giro escaped to win alone -  for the winner of this year's Omloop, a brilliant classic style win.

Ryder Hesjedal puts an aggressive stamp of authority finishing 3rd behind a cagey Cadel Evans. Hesjedal leapfrogs from 35th to 7th place overall... looking very much like a threat. 

Evans...

a cagey ride.

photo: Graham Watson

Hesjedal said, "We had a plan to race today. We're here to race." Asked if his ride was in response to those who doubted him after the TTT, he said, "If anyone doubted, then that's their problem."

Stage 3, Sorrento - Marina di Ascea 222 km:

1	Luca PAOLINI	ITA	KAT	5:43:50
2	Cadel EVANS	AUS	BMC	+16
3	Ryder HESJEDAL	CAN	GRS	+16
4	Mauro SANTAMBROGIO	ITA	VIN	+16
5	Samuel SANCHEZ GONZALEZ	ESP	EUS	+16
6	Giampaolo CARUSO	ITA	KAT	+16
7	Pieter WEENING	NED	OGE	+16
8	Bradley WIGGINS	GBR	SKY	+16
9	Benat INTXAUSTI ELORRIAGA	ESP	MOV	+16
10	Robert GESINK	NED	BLA	+16

General Classification after Stage 3

Rank	Name	Nationality	Team	Result
1	Luca PAOLINI	Italy	KAT	9:04:32
2	Bradley WIGGINS	Great Britain	SKY	+17
3	Rigoberto URAN URAN	Colombia	SKY	+17
4	Benat INTXAUSTI ELORRIAGA	Spain	MOV	+26
5	Vincenzo NIBALI	Italy	AST	+31
6	Valerio AGNOLI	Italy	AST	+31
7	Ryder HESJEDAL	Canada	GRS	+34
8	Giampaolo CARUSO	Italy	KAT	+36
9	Yury TROFIMOV	Russia	KAT	+36
10	Sergio Luis HENAO MONTOYA	Colombia	SKY	+37