Sports | Thursday 25 May, 2017 7:36 am |

Rui Costa’s performance in the 17th stage of the Giro d’Italia secured UAE Team Emirates a podium position in Canazei whilst Jan Polanc climbed up the General Classification standings to secure a place in the top ten. Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) won the stage with Gorka Izagirre (Movistar Team) in third behind Costa. Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) continues to retain the Maglia Rosa.

 

Commenting on his second place, UAE Team Emirates’ Costa said: “I missed the victory for the second time and it’s a pity because today my legs felt really good. I am however very proud of the impressive team effort shown by UAE Team Emirates today. There were four of us in the main breakaway driving the pace of the leading group; myself, Mohoric, Polanc and Conti. Towards the end of the race there were a lot of attacks and it wasn’t possible to keep up with them all. Overall I am happy with the results.”

 

UAE Team Emirates’ Matej Mohoric, who crested the first climb solo, said of the team’s efforts: “I went clear of the peloton from the start of the race and tried my best to help Polanc move up in the General Classification and support Costa to get the stage victory which was unfortunately won by Rolland. We are a strong team and I have no doubt that we will attack again!”

 

UAE Team Emirates worked to push Polanc into tenth place in the General Classification, he is now second in the Maglia Bianca standings.  Commenting on the results, the Slovenian rider Polanc said: “Right now my legs feel quite drained. I joined the breakaway today because it was such a big group however it proved to be hard. Everybody was playing it safe after yesterday’s dramatic stage and I really hope I didn’t overdo it today. Tomorrow’s stage will be a critical one as it decides what will most likely happen from then on in the Giro. I would also like to thank my teammates for helping me move into the top ten of the General Classification.”

 

Thursday will mark the 18th stage from Moena and finishing in Ortisei / St. Ulrich 137km later. This route takes in five consecutive categorised climbs across the Dolomites: Passo Pordoi, Passo Valparola, Passo Gardena, Passo Pinei and Pontives (the final climb). The stage is suitable for climbers as it features a remarkable rise and drop of around 4,000 m, with gradients ranging from 7% - 15%.

 

Stage 17 Results

1	Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac)	05:42:56
2	Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates)	00:00:24
3	Gorka Izagirre (Movistar Team)	…

General Classification after Stage 17

1	Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb)	76:05:38
2	Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team)	0:00:31
3	Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain – Merida)	0:01:12
10	Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates)	00:06:33

 

Youth Classification after Stage 17

1	Bob Jungels (Quick –  Step Floors)	76:10:13
2	Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates)	00:01:58
3	Adam Yates (Orica - Scott)	00:02:25