(Bibione, 19 May 2016 – Press Giro d’Italia) André Greipel snatched his third stage victory at the 99th Giro d’Italia as he outsprinted Caleb Ewan and Giacomo Nizzolo in a bunch gallop at Bibione. Bob Jungels retained the Maglia Rosa ahead of the first mountainous weekend.
• Now with 23 days in the Maglia Rosa, riders from Luxembourg are only one step below the Netherlands. Those two countries have claimed 9 out of 12 days in the race lead in this Giro d’Italia (6 for The Netherlands, 3 for Luxembourg).
The stage winner, André Greipel, said in the press conference: “I’ve always been a bit of an underdog so it’s not too bad for an underdog to reach twenty stage victories in Grand Tours. I’m proud of it. It’s also thanks to teamwork. Experience pays off. Caleb Ewan chose the wrong side to try and pass me today. I knew the crosswind was coming from the left side so I wasn’t going to let anyone pass me on my right. Caleb’s time will come. I understand if the fans are not happy with my decision to abandon tonight but I have a lot of respect for Giro and I hope I can come back to fight for the Maglia Rossa one time. This year, I’ve had a difficult start to the season, what with crashes and chasing good form. I fought hard to be in this shape for the Giro. I’m a human being, not a machine. This 12th stage was always to be my last one. I had to take this decision with my coach and my team to prepare for the upcoming goals.”
The Maglia Rosa, Bob Jungels, said in the press conference: “I haven’t done any of the climbs of the Giro yet so it will be a surprise for me tomorrow and the next few days. But I’m ready to fight for the jersey. I’ve showed my form is good. Maybe it’s up to the favourites to say if they see me as a GC contender. For me it’s the first time to be in this situation. I didn’t expect to take the Maglia Rosa at all. I’m still in it after the 12th stage going to the big mountains, and it’s a great pleasure.”
