Knowing the GC contenders would be out in full force today, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka were still intent on making today’s breakaway. First it was our South African sprinter, Ryan Gibbons who got a gap on the peloton but he was closed down on the early part of the first climb of the stage.

Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier then managed to get a gap with 11 other riders on the climb, as the race exploded with such a high pace being set. As the peloton tried to regroup, Ghebreigzabhier’s break managed to get a little breathing space.

The GC contenders did not let up for long though and their attacks on the 2nd climb saw the break caught. Our Eritrean then attacked this elite group once again, with 6 others, to go clear over 3rd climb of the stage.

The penultimate climb was where the breakaway riders then started to attack each other but Ghebreigzabhier held strong and reached the final climb with a shot at the stage win. However, the race once again came from behind as the GC contenders ripped up the final climb, catching Ghebreigzabhier after spending over 180km on the attack, at the 4km to go mark.

Our Eritrean went on to finish 17th on stage, but his incredibly strong ride on such a tough stage was worth so much more than his end result suggested. Pello Bilbao (Astana) won stage 20 of the Giro d’Italia, out-sprinting a select group of favourites for the win. Mikel Landa (Movistar) was 2nd and Giulo Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) placed 3rd