Thomas to ride into Rome third overall

Geraint Thomas crossed the finish line of the penultimate stage of the Giro in seventh place, to all but secure third overall in the Italian Grand Tour, with Thymen Arensman in sixth on GC.

Two ascents of the Monta Grappa climb would prove a fitting test to end the Giro, with the tough gradients ensuring any riders suffering three weeks into the race would have no where to hide.

While the first ascent was taking at a hard tempo, the second ascent would see the GC action. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) would attack some six kilometres from the top, with G and Thymen Arensman measuring their efforts in response. 

Over the top of the climb, and Thomas would find himself some 15 seconds off a group containing his podium rivals, with Thymen working hard to close the gap just behind. 

After some hard work from G and his group, the two splits would merge, and the Welshman would sprint to seventh on the stage, losing no time to those around him on GC. Arensman would come a further XXXX back to keep his sixth place in the overall standings.

Over in the Tour of Norway, Elia Viviani sprinted to fifth in stage three. Tomorrow's final test should be one for the puncheurs.