The Classics

['Dale]

Onto the next climb and Pozzovivo leads, the gap still at 18 seconds.

['Dale]

The chasers aren't giving up just yet as a Bardiani rider tries to attack but Rabottini has been caught and is about to be dropped.

['Dale]

As Valverde just follows the AG2R rider's wheel before coming through once the road smoothens out.

['Dale]

The leaders have just 13 seconds now.

['Dale]

 

Rabottini is still hanging in there though.

 

['Dale]

Valverde takes over the climb. He's recovered very well since his third place in Strade Bianche yesterday.

['Dale]

The chase group is splitting up as Bongiorno is in third place on the road and all on his own.

['Dale]

24km to go and the leaders have 26 seconds, so it's slowly creeping up.

['Dale]

Valverde has the bit between his teeth and is leading the charge down the descent but more and more riders are joining the chase group.

['Dale]

Pozzovivo is struggling to hold the Spaniard's wheel at times but he's still there, and taking the odd turn.

['Dale]

Under the 20km to go banner and the leaders have 29 seconds and Bongiorno has been caught. Quintana is no longer in the chase so it's all on Valverde for Movistar.

['Dale]

 

Two AG2R riders in the chase but they won't do a tap.

 

['Dale]

Dilema for Pozzovivo. Does he work and probably finish second or does he stop working and wait for his teammates?

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Pozzovivo may not know any of this though as there's no race radios and his team car isn't here. Valverde has the info as his car has made it up to him.

['Dale]

Pozzovivo is at least given an energy gel by the Movistar team car, which is a smart move from the Spanish team.

['Dale]

14 kms to go

 

The gap between the leaders and the chase is at 28 seconds. Valverde is doing a lot more of the work.