Robert Gesink came tantalizingly close to contesting a stage win in today's 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia but a mechanical took the lanky Dutchman out of contention. Having joined the decisive 4-man move, the Blanco captain saw his chain derail while his three companions left him behind and decided the stage win between them.

Robert Gesink had hoped to battle for an overall podium finish in the Giro d'Italia but the cold on the stage to Jafferau moved him outside the overall top 10. Instead, the Blanco team shifted to plan B and already in Sunday's stage to Galibier the team were aggressively seeking a stage win.

In today's 16th stage the new tactic was once again put on display as Robert Gesink instigated the race-winning move with Tanel Kangert (Astana) inside the final 7km of the race. Joined by Benat Intxausti (Movistar) and Przemyslaw Niemiec (Lampre), the duo sped off and managed to keep the peloton at bay.

However, disaster struck on a piece of pave with just 1,5km remaining. Gesink's chain derailed and he came to a standstill while his companions continued along to battle it out for the win. Instead, the Dutchman had to settle for a 17th place, 9 seconds behind the maglia rosa group and 23 seconds behind stage winner Intxausti.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before”, he said “To have this happen after 236 kilometres, just two short of the end – it must be Muphy’s law. My chain derailed on the cobble and blocked my wheel. I was riding full out for the stage win and felt very good. Anything could have happened, but going out in this manner is a big disappointment even though it did show I am back in form.”

Gesink was not the only Blanco rider on the offensive in today's stage as young talent Wilco Kelderman instigated the big 22-man move that appeared to be destined to contest the stage win. However, Radioshack and Katusha started to chase and the Dutchman was picked up on the day's final climb with around 20km to go.

Nonetheless, Kelderman remained optimistic and vowed to continue his aggressive racing style.

“On that last climb, the tempo was just too much for me," he said. "I was passed by the group of favorites with Robert in the mix and then went on at my own pace. In the end, I finished twenty-fifth in a group together with Domenico Pozzovivo. I want to give a go again yet this week but tomorrow is going to be tough. My legs are going to be tired after today.”

The Blanco team still has 4 opportunities to show off their attacking style and the first one comes in tomorrow's 17th stage to Vicenza. The team will probably try to join the early move while they will save Paul Martens to contest a sprint finish if it is all brought back together.

Starting at 14.15 you can follow the action on CyclingQuotes.com/live.