May 12/18 13:05 pm - Giro d'Italia: Stage 8 results, Woods 9th on stage

Posted by Editoress on 05/12/18
 

Richard Carapaz (Movistar Team) took an historic victory at Montevergine di Mercogliano, becoming the first-ever Ecuadorian to win a stage of the Giro d’Italia. Already in the Maglia Bianca, the rookie rode away from the peloton of favourites 2km before the top of the climb to the sanctuary. Simon Yates (Mitchelton - Scott) retained the Maglia Rosa as he kept the race under control while Thibaut Pinot (Groupama - FDJ) moved one position up with the time bonus awarded to the third-placed rider.

Stage winner, Richard Carapaz, said: “Because of the rain, people were a bit nervous at the beginning. It made the last climb a bit complicated but it was a good one for me. Once I got a ten seconds lead, I kept it. It’s a surprise for everyone. But I had very good legs and I followed the advice of the coach who asked me to try. I’ve managed to time it well. Sky was controlling things and AG2R had accelerated. After I seized the opportunity, I had to be cautious of not falling on the wet road.

"It means a lot to me. It’s the fruit of years of hard work since I was a kid. To win against so many favourites makes me extremely happy. It’s a result for my whole country. I’m a bit sad that there’s no cycling in Ecuador. It’s lamentable. We get no support. I hope this victory will open doors to other kids who will come after me and also have a lot of talent. Many things came to my mind when I crossed the line – it’s the first time that an Ecuadorian cyclist wins at this level. I’m also the first Ecuadorian who's participated in the Giro. I came with the mentality of doing well. This victory will stay in my heart; it’s incredible. I came to the Giro to discover what it’s like and what I can do in cycling. Rome is still a long way away and there can be other surprises. I’ll try to keep the Maglia Bianca as long as possible. It would be a beautiful triumph.”

The Maglia Rosa, Simon Yates, said: “It was a more difficult stage than I expected because of the rain but no drama. We rode a nice tempo, safely. I tried to get some bonus but I got boxed in. It was a really fast climb. It was hard to make a difference. I expect more of a selection tomorrow. I had really good feelings again today. When Froome crashed, I heard about but it didn't realize it was him. He looked okay after.”

Top Canadian was Mike Woods (EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale) finishing 9th on the stage at 7 seconds back and moving up to 12th overall at 1:39 back.

"The first part of the race was very difficult, even though Nathan Brown, Hugh Carthy and Joe Dombrowski were covering all the moves," said Woods.  "I was tired enough at the end of the first hour and a half. I felt good, but I have very bad seasonal allergies so it really bothered me. Normally, I could have done well on this stage."

The original plan for Woods' team was to put one of their riders in the breakaway, which they did not manage. "It was Plan B. In the middle of the race, we decided not to control. I suggested that we should conserve the guys' energy to see what I could do in the end. "

"Given the circumstances, I'm happy with the way it played out.  I would have liked to have a chance to go for the victory, but the way the climb was done, it did not suit me. I'm pretty happy I did not lose any time."

"I hope to feel better and try to overcome these sinus and cough problems. If I feel good, I think I can have a good result and climb a few places overall."

Results from the 8th stage in Italy

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7