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Giro d'Italia Stage 1: Lukas Pöstlberger takes surprise win

Bora-Hansgrohe rider is first wearer of the Maglia Rosa in 100th edition of Italian Grand Tour

Bora-Hansgrohe rider Lukas Pöstlberger has taken a surprise win in the opening stage of the 100th Giro d'Italia on Sardinia.

The 206km stage from Alghero to Olbia seemed to be heading for a bunch sprint until the Austrian launched his late attack.

Caleb Ewan of Orica-Scott was second, with Lotto-Soudal's Andre Greipel third.

Afterwards,  Pöstlberger said: “It's a surprise! I knew my shape was good. We wanted to try to lead Sam Bennett out but he lost my wheel and when I saw a gap, I decided to try myself.

"I gave all I had. It worked out. This is my  first professional win and I get the Maglia Rosa. It will take me a long time to believe this.”

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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ajd | 7 years ago
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antonio | 7 years ago
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Caught napping comes to mind, love the underdog winning.

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check12 | 7 years ago
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Good stuff

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Freddy56 | 7 years ago
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Best EVER. imagine another sprinter taking the Pink jertsey. that will change his life!

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