Andreas Leknessund goes into the final week of the Giro d’Italia in 5th place on the general classification after a massive ride in the group of favourites on Sunday.
Stage 15 was expected to be one of the most attractive stages of this year’s Giro d’Italia, dubbed a mini “Lombardia” covering 191 kilometres and a total amount of 3600 altitude metres; and it did not disappoint!
After a chaotic start of the race from Seregno, a big group of riders attempted a successful breakaway, with Team DSM’s Alberto Dainese jumping to the group. The Italian showed some great riding, but eventually dropped after almost 90 kilometres. The other riders in the group eventually decided who would win the stage.
In the meantime, the pace was on in the reduced bunch with all favourites of the general classification. Leknessund showed some brilliant racing and defended his position as several attacks pushed on in the group, reducing it down to 8 riders. Eventually, the group of favourites crossed the line together and as a result Leknessund enters the final week of the Giro d’Italia in 5th place on GC.
After his efforts in the breakaway, Dainese dropped back feeling unwell. He fought his way to the finish solo, showing his grit and determination, finishing the day inside the time cut.
