Monday’s third stage of the Giro went from Sorrento to Marina di Ascea, a feisty stage of 222 km. Dirk Bellemakers (Lotto-Belisol), who’s riding a Grand Tour for the first time, went along in the long lasting attack of the day.

The Grand Tour debutant had six companions, among them the young Belgian Willem Wauters, who took the mountain jersey. The seven escapees got a maximum lead of seven minutes. In the second half of the stage there were two climbs; on the San Mauro di Cilento (2nd cat.), Bert De Backer was dropped as the remaining six leaders had a gap of 3’40”. Fabio Taborre decided to go solo but all the escapees were caught on the Sela di Catona (3rd cat.), with 25 km to go, however.

Then a battle between the favourites began, especially last year’s winner Ryder Hesjedal was very active. He attacked several times, on the climb as well as on the descent. The stage win was for Luca Paolini who arrived solo and could put on the pink jersey. De Greef finished at 1’36” of the group with GC riders.

“Almost immediately after the start we took off with four, then three others joined us,” Bellemarkers explained after the stage. “With seven we had a nice number. Soon we got two minutes’ advantage and it was clear that we were given the necessary space. Just before one of the intermediate sprints I had to change bikes, but I could return to the group. I started the breakaway with the idea that we might stay ahead.”

“On the climb of the second category mountain it went well, but I couldn’t accelerate, because I hadn’t had any competition for a while. Then the cooperation was less good and Taborre attacked. Everybody was watching each other and it was over. If we would have worked together with the six of us, we had more chance. I felt good today and I made sure the team got publicity. If there are any chances you should grab them and I’ll definitely show myself the next weeks.”