Afonso Eulálio defies expectations to keep Giro lead as Filippo Ganna dominates time trial

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MASSA, Italy (AP) — Afonso Eulálio surprisingly remained in the overall lead of the Giro d’Italia after Tuesday's lengthy individual time trial, which was won in dominant fashion by Filippo Ganna of Italy.

No one could come close to Ganna, a time trial specialist who completed the flat, 42-kilometer (26-mile) route along the coast from Viareggio to Massa in 45 minutes, 53 seconds.

Thymen Arensman was second, 1:54 behind Ganna, with Rémi Cavagna another five seconds back.

Pre-race favorite Jonas Vingegaard, who is also an expert time trialist, was expected to move into the overall lead after the 10th stage, despite starting the day 2:24 behind Eulálio.

However, an impressive ride from the young Portuguese rider — who is relatively untested in time trials — saw Eulálio keep hold of the pink jersey with a 27-second advantage over Vingegaard. Arensman moved into third overall, 1:57 behind Eulálio.

It was the only time trial in this year’s race.

Wedesday’s 11th stage is a 195-kilometer (121-mile) route from Porcari to Chiavara that features three categorized climbs.

The 109th men’s Giro ends on May 31 in Rome.

The women’s Giro runs from May 30-June 7 with Italian rider Elisa Longo Borghini as the defending champion.

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AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling