Close call for Bettiol? Giro stage winner finishes with nail in his tyre

The Italian attacked on the climb to Ungiasca and dropped Andreas Leknessund before holding the advantage to the line for his first win in almost two years. Post-stage checks later revealed the damage.

Bettiol had already looked one of the strongest in the move before making his decisive acceleration near the summit of the final climb. Behind, Leknessund never made any ground, and the gap stayed intact into the final kilometres.

The win continues an aggressive Giro for XDS Astana, who have repeatedly targeted breakaways throughout the opening two weeks, with Bettiol among their most active riders.