Team Colombia did not enjoy the best of days in Giro d’Italia stage 8, Foligno-Montecopiolo, which was won by Italian Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida) with a last-gasp attack. He bridged over to Pierre Rolland (Europcar), that looked almost sure of the stage win. Robert Kiserlowski (Trek) came in second, with Wilco Kelderman (Belkin) in third.

Jarlinson Pantano, 28th at 3.12, was the best Team Colombia rider in a tough day for the Escarabajos, with Fabio Duarte concluding 40th, 7.12 behind. BMC Racing’s Cadel Evans is the new leader of the race.

The day had started in usual fashion for Team Colombia, as the team managed to take part in the sixth breakaway in this edition: it was Carlos Julian Quintero who worked his way into a 10-man attempt, holding a 8.40 maximum advantage.

The breakaway eventually splintered on the first Category 1 climb of the race, Cippo di Carpegna, where Julian Arredondo (Trek) moved away with a solo attack. Carlos Quintero managed to pass fourth atop the climb where Marco Pantani used to test himself in training, and was eventually caught by the group of the strong men – including Pantano – at the foot of the final climb.

On the last ascent, Arredondo lost ground and was caught and dropped by Pierre Rolland, but the group somewhat surprisingly came back in contention and Ulissi was the happiest man to the line.

“Fabio suffered a bad day. It happens, and there’s not much you can do but re-focus and bounce back as soon as possible” – Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi said. “For the rest, Quintero must be praised for his effort at the front in a very tough day: we are giving our best in the breakaway, but we haven’t been lucky so far.”

The last piece of a very tough stretch will take place tomorrow with stage 9 and another uphill finish to Sestola after 172 km.