Kruijswijk takes the Giro’s pink jersey

Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Steven Kruijswijk took the Giro d'Italia’s famed pink jersey after tough fight through the Dolomites today. The 28-year-old rider finished second in the queen stage behind Esteban Chaves (Team Orica – GreenEDGE) and moved into the lead by 41 seconds on Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and 1’32" on Chaves.

Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Steven Kruijswijk took the Giro d'Italia’s famed pink jersey after tough fight through the Dolomites today. The 28-year-old rider finished second in the queen stage behind Esteban Chaves (Team Orica – GreenEDGE) and moved into the lead by 41 seconds on Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and 1’32" on Chaves.

The day started well for Team LottoNL-Jumbo. After an hour, a leading group formed with 36 riders, including Twan Castelijns and Primoz Roglic. The group thinned out on the first two climbs. A strong leading group with climbers gained nine minutes while Kruijswijk stayed with the classification riders. On the Passo Giau, team Astana went full-throttle to close down the lead. Kruijswijk managed well and attacked Nibali on the following climb.

"If I'm honest, we did not think this was the most ideal day to attack,” said Sports Director Addy Engels. "But everyone suffered and lost a lot of energy. Steven saw that and he anticipated, attacking at the right moment.

"All day, I felt very well," said Steven Kruijswijk. "I knew that after yesterday that this stage would be good for me. In the end, I could attack. I still power in my legs. Chaves joined and we worked well together, but I also knew that he would be the man to beat for the stage win. He also wanted to grab more time on the other classification riders and I was going for the pink jersey. It worked out well and I am very happy that I have it now!"

photo credit ANSA - Beardy McBeard - Bettini Photo