ANDREA TARALLO SPRINTS TO VICTORY IN MARINA DI MASSA AND CLAIMS THE FIRST MAGLIA VERDE

A surprise finish in Stage 3A of the 50th Giro della Lunigiana, which, after two days blighted by bad weather, finally saw the first Green Jersey of this year’s edition awarded.

The pre-race predictions, which pointed to an almost certain sprint in this Fivizzano – Marina di Massa stage, were overturned by the courage and strength of eight riders – Battistoni, Viero, Siegers, Tarallo, Friedl, Wiesmayr, Agnini and Orholm-Lonseth – who launched their attack with just under 15 kilometres remaining.

The peloton’s reaction came too late, with the eight leaders entering the final five kilometres with a 35-second advantage and going on to battle it out for the stage win in a sprint.

Andrea Tarallo took the victory with a long-range sprint launched 300 metres from the finish, holding off the late charge of Viero and Wiesmayr, who joined him on the stage podium. Seven seconds behind, the peloton was led home by Latvia’s Kancers, with Fedrizzi rounding out the top 10.

As for the general classification, European Champion Karl Herzog was forced to withdraw and did not take the start after crashing during yesterday’s stage.

This afternoon, attention turns to the Vezzano Ligure – Riomaggiore stage, which could further reshape the general classification. Full live coverage starts at 15:20.