'It's not taken for granted what he did today' - Pellizzari helps launch Hindley onto GC podium

Pellizzari was the first to push on from the chasers on the final ascent with 4.3km to go, with Kuss responding to bridge across to Ciccone for the eventual stage win. Pellizzari then dropped back to the maglia rosa group and joined Hindley, working alongside the Australian inside the final kilometre after Thymen Arensman had been distanced.

"It was a tough day out. Really epic climbs and really proud of the way the boys rode," Hindley said after the line to CyclingPro.net. "It was a pretty crazy day also tactically with some GC guys in the group. But our plan was to have Giulio in the break to go for the stage or if not, then try to help me at some point. Really big chapeau to him and how he rode today. It was some ride of him."

Pellizzari had been one of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe's pre-race GC favourites. Illness across the second week cost him his top-five chance and the maglia blanca in his third Giro d'Italia appearance.

"It's really not taken for granted what he did today. I know it's not been the easiest race for him also mentally. But really grateful for what he's done and also the rest of the boys. We haven't had the smoothest Giro with quite some illness and whatnot. The guys have been incredible."

On the steepest pitches of Piani di Pezzè, with the home crowd pressed against the barriers, Pellizzari rode with one hand off the bars.

"I was full, but I have to say thanks to the people next to them. I had the skin... how do you say when you feel cold in the skin? Pelle d'oca."

"Chilly skin. And this was amazing. I had more power than I really had. Thanks for them."

Hindley has stage 20 to Piancavallo to make ground before Rome as the 2022 Giro winner sits in third place, 5:04 down on race leader Jonas Vingegaard as the Aussie leapfrogged Thymen Arensman, who fell victim to the high pace on the stage.