Tadej Pogacar powers to fifth stage win for UAE Team Emirates at Giro d'Italia

The Tadej Pogacar machine shows no signs of slowing down at the Giro d'Italia with the UAE Team Emirates rider sealing a fifth stage win on Tuesday.

Pogacar powered to victory in a shortened Stage 16, which started three hours late after rider protests against organisers who were pushing for a full day's racing despite dreadful weather.

The two-time Tour de France winner could have held his position in the peloton and still led the three-week race handsomely but surged past Giulio Pellizzari in the final kilometre before holding five fingers aloft as he crossed the line.

Giro debutant Pogacar now leads the standings by more than seven minutes and, barring misfortune in the next few days, looks assured of reaching Rome with the maglia rosa on his back.

“The day started really on and off and we didn't know what to do but when we started it was fine. The breakaway went and it was good for us and we sat back and tried to relax,” Pogacar said after the race.

“But Movistar kept on pushing and kept the breakaway close and then they went really fast on the second last climb and then the final 2km we tried to control and then Rafa had enough, he said we push on we try to make some gaps.

“Since yesterday, it was just thinking to be safe. In the end, it was good for us and also good for the people, good for everybody so I think we should be happy given the circumstances.”