Stetina and Vande Velde also finish in same chase group
Eleventh overall starting the stage, Marco Pinotti conceded time on today’s eighth stage of the Giro d’Italia when he slipped back on the climb prior to the finish.
The Italian rider was part of a 19-man group which crossed the line one minute 24 seconds behind the solo winner Domenico Pozzovivio (Colnago CSF Inox), and 57 seconds off the other GC contenders.
Pozzovivio made his move on that final climb, then held onto his advantage on the short descent and flat run in to the finish.
Pinotti’s group also included Italian champion Giovanni Visconi (Movistar) and the Garmin Barracuda duo Christian Vande Velde and Peter Stetina; the latter had started the day wearing the white jersey of best young rider, but was delayed due to a puncture approximately 25 kilometres from the line.
While he made it back to the main group, the chase weakened him and he slipped back.
Stetina is down to 19th overall, one minute 23 back, while Pinotti is four places and twenty seconds further behind.
The latter had hoped for a top ten overall in the race. The time gaps are small and that’s still possible, but he’ll need to fare better in the climbs ahead.
His BMC Racing team-mate Johan Tschopp has replaced him as the best rider from the squad, the Swiss finishing with the main group of contenders.
He rolled in 21st, 27 seconds behind Pozzovivo, and is now 21st overall.
“I repositioned myself at the front of the group among the best riders, and my sensations were pretty good,” he said afterwards. “But Pozzovivo was clearly a level higher than anyone here today.”
The race continues tomorrow with a flat stage to Frosinone. A bunch sprint is the most likely outcome, but the GC battle will flare up again in the days ahead.