Cycling News : Alberto Bettiol takes first Grand Tour victory on easy day for leader Egan Bernal

Italy's own Alberto Bettiol timed a late attack to perfection to take Stage 18 at the Giro d'Italia on Thursday, his first victory in a Grand Tour event. The EF Education-Nippo had time to sit up on his saddle and celebrate with the home fans after a 231-kilometre (144-mile) route from Rovereto to Stradella, the longest of the race. Remi Cavagna (France, Deceuninck-QuickStep) appeared to be heading for the win after launching his own attack 26 kilometres from home, but Bettiol caught and passed the French time-trial champion inside the final seven kilometres. Simone Consonni (Cofidis) took second place, 17 seconds down on his compatriot Bettiol, with Ireland's Nicolas Roche (Team DSM) third. Overall leader Egan Bernal (Colombia, Ineos Grenadiers) crossed the line safely in the peloton, more than 23 minutes behind the winner. The 2019 Tour de France champion maintained his lead of 2 minutes, 21 seconds over Damiano Caruso (Italy, Bahrain Victorious) and 3:23 ahead of third-placed Simon Yates (GB, Team BikeExchange).