Geraint Thomas soars into pink as Joao Almeida wins Stage 16 at Giro d’Italia, Primoz Roglic wilts

Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) soared into the maglia rosa at the Giro d’Italia after finishing second behind Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) on Stage 16 as the pair combined to expose cracks in Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma). After building a reputation on following the wheel, Almeida launched off the front on Monte Bondone with 5.5km remaining and quickly opened a gap.

Only Roglic’s team-mate Sepp Kuss was initially keen to mark the attack, but Thomas soon spotted an opportunity and bridged across to Almeida as Roglic wilted behind. Ad Thomas did the majority of the work on the front with Almeida returning to type, offering occasional pulls, as the pair chiselled time into Roglic, who was being guided up the final climb by Kuss as the superb Eddie Dunbar (Jayco–AlUla) hung on too.

Giro d'ItaliaBlow for Thomas as Sivakov abandons, Ineos down to just five ridersAN HOUR AGO Almeida comfortably saw off Thomas in the sprint finale to take a memorable victory and maximum bonus seconds but it was the Ineos rider who moved into pink as the Welshman, who turns 37 on Thursday, rolled back the years. Overnight leader Bruno Armirail (Groupama–FDJ) lost contact with the GC group with 10km remaining as UAE wound up the pace for an Almeida attack.

More to follow. — — - Stream the 2023 Giro d'Italia live and on-demand on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk Giro d'ItaliaThomas pays tribute to 'greatest sprinter of all time' Cavendish ahead of retirement19 HOURS AGO Giro d'ItaliaHow to watch Stage 16 of the Giro on Tuesday as final week beckonsYESTERDAY AT 12:41