Giro d’Italia 2015: Fabio Aru in pink after crash takes down Alberto Contador and Richie Porte

FABIO Aru took over as leader of the Giro d’Italia from crash victim Alberto Contador after the rain-hit 13th stage was won by Sacha Modolo.

Overall leader Italy's Fabio Aru wears the pink jersey as he celebrates on the podium after completing the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race from Montecchio Maggiore to the seaside resort of Jesolo, near Venice, Italy, Friday, May 22, 2015. Alberto Contador lost the overall lead of the Giro d'Italia to Fabio Aru after he was involved in a crash toward the end of Friday's 13th stage, which was won by Sacha Modolo. (Daniel Dal Zennaro/ANSA via AP)

ITALIAN Astana rider Fabio Aru took over as leader of the Giro d’Italia from crash victim Alberto Contador on Friday after the rain-hit 13th stage was won by Sacha Modolo.

Italian Modolo hung on in a sprint finish to edge compatriots Giacomo Nizzolo and Elia Viviani at Jesolo, near Venice.

A mass crash less than 5km from the line put Contador on the ground and the 40 secs he lost allowed Aru to take the pink jersey with a margin of 19 secs heading into Saturday’s time trial.

Australian Richie Porte also took a tumble and lost over 2mins to be out of contention at nearly 6mins off the pace.

Both Contador and Porte had to complete the stage on bikes borrowed from teammates.

The 24-year-old Aru, who finished third overall last year, takes the leader’s jersey for the first time in his career.

Cyclists fall on the ground after crashing during the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

“It’s a great feeling to finally wear the pink jersey,” said the delighted Italian.

“I’ve waited since the beginning of the race to finally take the lead and now I can look forward to the time trial tomorrow (Saturday).

“It’s a tough stage like many others but I’ll just try and stay in contention and protect the jersey.” Spaniard Mikel Landa is third overall at 1min 14 secs.

Contador said he hopes his crash has only a minor effect after another fall during stage 6 damaged his shoulder.

“It was probably a clash with another bike but I hope it’s just superficial although the problem is that I must already race with an uncomfortable position because of my shoulder,” said the former Tour de France winner.

Richie Porte’s luck was out again as he got caught in the pile up.

“I don’t want that this injury will affect the rest of my race and I have to think in a positive way, put some ice on my leg and give my best in the time trial,” added the Spaniard.

On a day of steady rain and run over 147km of flat racing, a trio of Italian Marco Frapporti, Frenchman Jerome Pineau and German Rick Zabel opened up an escape before being reeled in towards the finale.

Saturday will feature a tough 59.4km time trial from Treviso to Valdobbiadene and is guaranteed to shake up the overall standings and give Contador a chance to recover his lost time.