Greig Leach

Once the peloton had reeled the early break back into their fold, it was time for the puncheurs to try their legs. First to attack the collective was Patrick Gretsch (AG2R). Gretsch looked over his shoulder to discover that Greg Henderson (Lotto Soudal) had joined him on the final climb of the day. With only four kilometers until the end of the stage, Gretsch seemed to attempt to talk Henderson into collaborating on their escapee. Henderson didn't feel that Gretsch had the legs to go the distance. So the Kiwi quickly dropped the German and went off in search of a solo victory. Lotto Soudal is left without their big marquee sprinter, Andre Greipel. Greipel abandoned the Giro before the high mountains, opting instead to begin his preparation for the Tour de France. Henderson has the remarkable distinction of making this appearance in the Giro his eleventh Grand Tour in a row!