Giro 2024: Sprint triumph Merlier, Pogacar still in pink

foto: Cor VosTim Merlier outsprints Jonathan Milan and Kaden Groves in the streets of Padova, while Tadej Pogacar remains the overal race leader. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 18th stage 2024 Giro

1. Tim Merlier (bel)
2. Jonathan Milan (ita) s.t.
3. Kaden Groves (aus) s.t.
4. Alberto Dainese (ita) s.t.
5. Stanisław Aniołkowski (pol) s.t.
6. Fernando Gaviria (col) s.t.
7. Madis Mikhels (est) s.t.
8. Calen Ewan (aus) s.t.
9. Davide Ballerini (ita) s.t.
10. Sebastián Molano (col) s.t.

GC after stage 18
1. Tadej Pogacar (slo)
2. Daniel Felipe Martínez (col) + 7.42
3. Geraint Thomas (gbr) + 8.04
4. Ben O’Connor (aus) + 9.47
5. Antonio Tiberi (ita) + 10.29
6. Thymen Arensman (nld) + 11.10
7. Romain Bardet (fra) + 12.42
8. Einer Rubio (col) + 13.33
9. Filippo Zana (ita) + 13.52
10. Jan Hirt (cze) + 14.44

Race report
The breakaway establishes itself on the climb to Lamon. Mikkel Honoré, Mirco Maestri, Andrea Pietrobon, and Filippo Fiorelli open up a lead of over 2 minutes. Which is all they get.

Just inside the last 60 kilometres, when the gap has fallen to 30 seconds, Edoardo Affini attacks from the peloton. The Italian bridges across to the four leaders and they hold on for tens of kilometres. But eventually, just inside the final 11 kilometres, they are caught.

Tim Merlier outperforms Jonathan Milan in the ensuing bunch sprint, while Kaden Groves comes home in third position.

The GC remains unchanged, with Tadej Pogacar rock solid in the maglia rosa.

Another interesting read: route 18th stage 2024 Giro.