Inseparable throughout the stage, Richie Porte and Chris Sorensen patted each other on the back after crossing the finish line.
It was a rare day of (mostly) sunshine at the Giro yesterday, and yet another day when the GC was shaken up.
More photos on the flip...
Despite getting a flat tire on the rental car, I got to Asolo in time to do a short ride, so I did a loop of the colline (small hills) that preceded the Monte Grappa climb on the stage.
The pretty historic center of Asolo was the site of the bonus sprint.
The descent out of Asolo was sufficiently narrow and technical to warrant a "!" sign.
All along the route, people had decorated their houses and businesses with pink streamers, balloons, and signs. The sign in the lower right of this picture of the village of Monfumo says, "Here, on May 22, the Giro d'Italia will pass."
this sign says, "We have been waiting for you forever. Welcome, Giro.
This cafe's sign was made of bread.
Another original display:
Back in Asolo at the finish, Cipollini stopped to have a look as Vinokourov rehydrated.
Richie Porte got a drink from a soigneur.
Gibo looked relaxed at the finish.
Porte hung on to the maglia bianca.
Matthew Lloyd also hung on to his maglia verde.
Susie Hartigan for Podium Cafe.