The Spanish cyclist Mikel Nieve (Mitchelton) won the twentieth and penultimate stage of the Giro d'Italia, this Saturday in Cervinia, in a day in which Chris Froome (Sky) became the virtual winner and the Colombian Miguel Ángel López (Astana) climbed to the third step.
After his spectacular 80-kilometer escape on Friday, which gave him first place, the four-time Tour de France winner is on the verge of his first Giro victory. The race will finish next Sunday in Rome.
Froome did not give in to the attacks of the Dutchman Tom Dumoulin, the outgoing champion and second in the overall standings. On the contrary, he sprinted to cross the finish line ahead of him, at the station located at the foot of Mount Cervino.
"It's not over yet, but the battle is already behind. When I think about my position (in the classification) two days ago... I'm dreaming!", said Froome.
In order for Froome to conclude the series of consecutive victories in the three Grand Tours - he won the 2017 Tour de France and the 2017 Vuelta a España - he only needs to complete the flat stage of 115 kilometers in the Italian capital. He will be the first British cyclist - in 101 editions - and the first Sky cyclist to win the Giro. (D)