UAE Team Emirates sprinter Sacha Modolo claimed a place inside the top five after the first stage of the 100th Giro d’Italia on Friday.
Modolo finished 10 seconds behind stage winner Lukas Poestlberger, who completed the 206 kilometre Alghero to Olbia stage in five hours, 13 minutes and 35 seconds. The Bora-Hansgrohe rider will compete in the second stage wearing the maglia rosa — the Giro d’Italia’s pink jersey for the race leader.
Orica-Scott’s Caleb Ewan, who won the fourth and final stage at this year’s Abu Dhabi Tour, finished second, with German Lotto Soudal rider Andre Greipel completing the podium.
“I am pleased with the outcome of today’s stage,” Modolo said. “Today’s stage was a good opportunity to try to clinch the Pink Jersey.
“I would like to congratulate Poestlberger for a fine performance. I am in good form and this is only the beginning. I am looking forward to the upcoming stages and would like to thank my team for all the support.”
Saturday’s second stage is a 221km ride from Olbia to Tortoli and is one of three on the island, before the race moves to Sicily for two stages following Monday’s rest day.
* Agencies
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