Colombia’s Uran wins 1st big mountain stage of Giro; Nibali keeps lead

ALTOPIANO DEL MONTASIO, Italy – Colombian rider Rigoberto Uran won the first big mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia on Tuesday, while Vincenzo Nibali held onto the overall leader’s pink jersey after the 10th leg.

Pre-race favourite Bradley Wiggins dropped further behind on the steep, uphill finish, while defending champion Ryder Hesjedal dropped out of contention on the first climb.

Victoria’s Hesjedal was 71st in the stage, 20 minutes 53 seconds behind Uran. He dropped to 33rd overall, 23:45 behind Nibali.

Uran, who rides for Wiggins’ Sky team and won the best young rider’s jersey during last year’s race, clocked more than 4 1/2 hours over the 167-kilometre leg from Cordenons to Altopiano del Montasio, which featured two difficult climbs, including a long, gruelling uphill finish.

Another Colombian, Carlos Betancour, finished second, 20 seconds behind, and Italy’s Nibali won a sprint for third, 31 seconds back.

Wiggins crossed 10th, 1:08 back.

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