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Alex Dowsett led the emerging nation of Israel to their first major victory in professional cycling. On Saturday, the Briton won the eighth stage of the 103rd Giro d’Italia over 200 kilometers from Giovinazzo to Vieste ahead of Italian Salvatore Puccio and compatriot Matthew Holmes.
Dowsett had left a breakaway group a good 18 kilometers from the finish and at the end had a 1:15 minute lead. The main squad with all the jerseys reached the finish line 14 minutes ago. The overall winner’s pink jersey is still worn by Portuguese Joao Almeida with a 43-second lead over Spaniard Pello Bilbao.
Win the eighth stage of the Giro d’Italia by more than a minute: Alex Dowsett. (Photo: Getty)
For Simon Yates, who originally entered the Giro as a favorite, the race is over after a positive Corona test. The 28-year-old had shown mild symptoms after stage seven on Friday. Both a rapid test and later a PCR test had confirmed the coronavirus infection. The climbing specialist was 21st overall, 3:52 minutes behind Portuguese leader Jorge Almeida.
The Giro will continue on Sunday with the ninth stage of 208 kilometers from San Salvo to Roccaraso. Two mountains, each in the first and second category, could change the overall classification. (dpa)
