Tour of Italy - Ackermann has no chance in the sprint

In what was probably the penultimate sprint decision of the 106th Giro d'Italia, Pascal Ackermann had no chance of taking his second stage win.

The rider from the Palatinate had to settle for tenth place on the 17th stage over 197 kilometres from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle. Instead, there was a double victory for the hosts: Italian Alberto Dainese won ahead of his compatriot Jonathan Milan. Third place went to the Australian Michael Matthews.

Geraint Thomas further ahead

There were no changes at the top of the overall standings. Former Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas from Great Britain continues to wear the pink jersey and has an 18-second lead over Portugal's Joao Almeida. Lennard Kämna remains the best German in sixth place, 3:20 minutes behind.

The next three super-difficult stages will decide the overall winner. On Thursday, the race heads up to Val di Zoldo, before the extremely difficult final climb to the Three Peaks awaits the riders on Friday. The mountain time trial to Monte Lussari follows on Saturday, before the final stage with start and finish in Rome on Sunday should be a matter for the sprinters.

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