Pink jersey holder Nairo Quintana wins 19th stage of Giro d’Italia to extend overall lead

NAIRO Quintana, wearing the leader’s pink jersey, won the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia as Cadel Evans’ position improved slightly.

Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana celebrates with the pink jersey of the overall leader on the podium, after the 26,8 km 19th stage of the 97th Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy, cycling race from Bassano del Grappa to Cima Grappa (Crespano del Grappa), on May 30, 2014, in Cima Grappa. AFP PHOTO / LUK BENIES

COLOMBIA’S Nairo Quintana, wearing the leader’s pink jersey, won the 19th stage of the Giro d’Italia on the slopes of Monte Grappa on Friday as Cadel Evans improved slightly.

The Movistar rider consolidated his race lead two days before the finish as he crossed 17 sec ahead of Italy’s Fabio Aru in the 26.8km time trial.

Colombian Rigoberto Uran, second in the overall standings, finished third at 1min 26 sec, as Quintana achieved his second stage success of this year’s race.

Quintana holds a lead of 3 min 7 sec on Uran in the overall standings with Aru at 3min 48 sec.

Tour de France winner Evans is 9:25 down but his 11th place in the time trial lifted him from ninth to seventh place overall.

The Australian had dropped from third to ninth after struggling on Thursday’s 18th stage.

Cadel Evans during the 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

Canada’s 2012 Giro winner Ryder Hesjedal dropped two places to ninth.

“It was my speciality, I couldn’t let this stage go, especially given my family had come from Colombia to watch me,” said Quintana.

“I’m delighted to have given them this victory.”

Having finished second to Chris Froome at last year’s Tour de France, this has been Quintana’s opportunity to consolidate his position as the best climber in the world and a Grand Tour contender.

But he refused to be drawn on whether he would challenge for the Tour next season.

“I need to keep improving. Youngsters who like me are from the 1990 generation are very strong.

“Aru, of course, and (Michal) Kwiatkowski, (Rafal) Majka. Our levels are not very far apart.

“Last year the Tour de France gave me the opportunity to show who Nairo Quintana is, to show that I’m able to challenge on a three-week race.

“In this Giro, I’ve consolidated.”

Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana celebrates with the pink jersey and his nation’s flag.

Saturday’s final stage in the mountains covers 167km from Maniago to Monte Zoncolan, with the final climb considered one of the toughest in Europe with 10.1km at 11.9 per cent gradient. It is an ideal climb for Quintana to extend his lead, if anything.

“It’s a very demanding climb, I like the beginning,” said the Colombian.

“I didn’t manage to ride the rest of it when we came here for reconnaissance because of the snow.

“I’ll control things and if I’m feeling good, I’ll try to win the stage.”

The main battle is likely to be for the minor places with Aru needing to make up 41 sec on Uran to snatch second place with both Rolland and Italian Domenico Pozzovivo perhaps hoping to snatch a podium spot.

However, they are 1 min 38 sec and 2:28 behind respectively and would need a huge performance on the Zoncolan to move up into the top three.