The BMC Racing Team worked hard to keep Cadel Evans out of trouble Thursday on a rain-soaked stage of the Giro d'Italia that saw one of the race favourites lose significant time.
Evans finished 40th and in the peloton, as race officials decided to take the finishing time at the 3km mark of the 134km stage due to the hazardous conditions. Sky Procycling's Bradley Wiggins, who had been sitting fourth overall, had difficulty descending the final climb and was unable to chase back despite the help of five teammates. The defending Tour de France champion lost 3’17” and fell to 13th overall, 5’22” behind race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana Pro Team). Thus it would appear that Wiggins, plagued by chest-infections, is out of contention for the Giro general classification.
Taylor Phinney said the BMC Racing Team's top priority was keeping Evans – in second overall – out of trouble in the slick conditions. "It was a very successful day for the team," Phinney said. "We just wanted to keep Cadel safe. He was the priority No. 1 and we kept him up in the front. It was a nervous day, but we all ride in these sorts of rainy, cold conditions. So it was a better day for us than for other people."
Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) took the stage win, his third of this year's race, and assumed the points classification lead from Evans.
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