Richard Carapaz steady in Giro lead: "Everything was under control"

Richard Carapaz has kept the lead of the Giro d'Italia during the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia, in a day where his pink jersey was once again put to the test in the rough Alpine ascents that created big gaps. Those gaps however were present behind the leading trio.

As the fatigue builds up, it didn't take an explosive start to make serious differences towards the finale. INEOS Grenadiers took a great part of the stage conservatively, and let the pace remain calm until Bahrain - Victorious picked up the pace in the penultimate ascent of the day. “The truth is that it has been a very hard stage. We are happy. Every day the general classification is defined and we are happy to continue another day with the pink jersey," Carapaz said after the stage.

With Mikel Landa and Jai Hindley once again putting on the pressure - this time on the climb to Monterovere - Carapaz had a difficult run to the line, however he affirms that the race lead was controlled. “Everything was under control. I came with good legs and confidence to go to the end," the 28-year old pointed out. Nevertheless the final uphill dash to the line saw him take five seconds over Mikel Landa.

His focus however will remain on Jai Hindley who sits only three seconds behind the Ecuadorian and has shown no difficulties. “Tomorrow will also be an important day. There are some days to go and then we have a very nice weekend," he concluded.