Tim Merleer | Photo: LUCA BETTINI/AFP via Getty Images)
Belgian cyclist Tim Merleer won the third stage of the multi-day cycling race “Giro d’Italia” on Monday, while Slovenian Tadej Pogačar retained the leader’s jersey in the overall standings.
On Monday, the cyclists measured 166.3 kilometers with one fourth category climb and one intermediate finish.
At the finish of the group, Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) outpaced Italian Jonathan Milan (Lidl – Trek) and Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty), finishing in three hours, 54 minutes and 35 seconds.
In the overall standings, Pogachar (UAE) is 46 seconds ahead of the closest follower Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and 47 seconds ahead of Colombian Daniel Felipe Martinez (Bora-hansgrohe). Pagachar and Thomas, who had broken away, were caught with 300 meters to go.
In the fourth stage, the cyclists will cover 190 kilometers on Tuesday with one climb of the third category, one intermediate finish and the finish in Andorra.
The 107th “Giro d’Italia” cycling race will end on May 26 in Rome. Latvian cyclists are not participating in the bike ride this time.
Last year, Slovenian cyclist Primož Rogličs became the winner of the Giro d’Italia, while Toms Skujiņš, the debutant of the competition, who ranked second in one of the stages and third in one, as well as accumulated the most points in the intermediate sprint finishes, took 31st place.
