Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth victory of this year’s race as he breezed to a commanding win on stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia. The queen stage of the Giro posed 222km of tarmac alongside more than 5,000 metres of climb but that did not seem to faze the Slovenian, who blew the field away in convincing fashion from Manerba del Garda to Livigno.

Nairo Quintana was finally caught by Pogacar on the steep climb with 2km left, and proceeded to lose a further half a minute by the finish line. Two minutes later, the EF Education-EasyPost rider Georg Steinhauser, who was also a solo leader until the penultimate climb, came home to take the final spot on the podium in third.

Pogacar told Eurosport.com: “Today was a really good route with nice climbs. I’m super happy that we kept it under control. We had to be smart all day. It was a strong breakaway but I gave it my all for the last 10k and I’m super-happy to win the queen stage in Livigno, one of my favourite places in Italy.”

Pogacar’s stunning triumph has given him a lead of 6min 41sec from the Welshman Geraint Thomas as he closes in on his maiden Giro d’Italia title.

The riders will have a rest day on Monday but will resume stage 16 on Tuesday from Livigno to Monte Pana and will travel 206km with 4,350 metres gained in climbing.

Source: theguardian.com