German rider Maximilian Schachmann of the Quick-Step Floors team won from a breakaway on Stage 18 of the 2018 Giro d’Italia. Ruben Plaza (Israel Cycling Academy) and Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) finished second and third, respectively.
Simon Yates (Mitchelton – Scott) defended his General Classification leader position, but lost time against his rivals, with defending champion Tom Dumoulin of Team Sunweb now just 28 seconds back.
Speaking seconds after the stage finish, the stage winner, Maximilian Schachmann, said: “I couldn’t imagine more than what I’ve achieved in the Giro so far. After the first rest day, I suffered a respiratory infection. I recovered on the second rest day. We knew we had a chance today. I have to say a huge thank you to Michael Morkov. The breakaway was already gone and he bridged over with me. I was confident to win against my final rivals.”
The race leader, Simon Yates, said: “I just had no legs at the end. But it’s ok. I did the best I could and I’m still happy with the remaining lead I have. I’m still ahead so it’s fine with me.”
Stage 18 Brief Results:
- Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) at 4h 55’42”
- Ruben Plaza (Israel Cycling Academy) at 10″
- Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) at 16″
- Christoph Pfingsten (Bora – Hansgrohe) at 1’10”
- Marco Marcato (UAE Team Emirates) at 1’26”
General Classification After Stage 18:
- Simon Yates (Mitchelton – Scott)
- Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) at 28″
- Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain – Merida) at 2’43”
- Chris Froome (Team Sky) at 3’22”
- Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ) at 4’24”
- Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana Pro Team) at 4’54”
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