Stage 14 into Dolomites was full of drama and nightmare...
When I first learned on twitter that Ryder Hesjedal had abandoned I was in disbelief. Before the Queen stage he was riding well in 14th and looked like he was about to turn it on in the mountains.
And as cruel as this sport is sometimes, we won't see him ride in the top 15. I'm gutted and I hope this is not the last we'll see of Ryder Hesjedal.
Heavy favorite Nibali launched an attack with 27kms to go in a bid to reach the front 3: Atapuma, Siutso and Preidler. Critical point here, Valverde could not answer and was dropped. Only Kruijswijk and Chaves joined the Shark. And Atapuma attacked from the leading group and churned out a brave solo bid for glory.
The Dolomites = Spectacular vistas.
In last two kilometres the four leaders kept the Shark at bay enough for Chaves to time this winning sprint. What brutal end for Atapuma but brilliant for his compatriot. Kruijswijk (maglia rosa) and Chaves proved that they are a genuine GC threat and attention turns to tomorrow's climbing TT. It just got a lot more nteresting.
Stage 14: 1. Esteban Chaves 6:06:16, 2. Steven Kruijswijk ST. 3. Georg Preidler ST
GC: 1. Steven Kruijswijk 60:12:43 2. Vincenzo Nibali :41 3. Esteban Chaves 1:32
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