Having broken his collarbone early in the year, Philip Deignan headed into the Giro d'Italia a bit under-raced but now it seems that he is getting into form. Today he did a strong attack on the final climb of Montecampione and finished up there with the race favourites.

Philip Deignan lit up the final climb on stage 15 at the Giro d’Italia with a stirring attack in the closing kilometres.

The Irishman rode hard to make his way into an ever-dwindling lead group on the first-category finale on the Plan de Montecampione, before hitting out with 9.5km to go.

Pushing the gap out to in excess of 20 seconds on the flatter section of the summit finish, Deignan looked comfortable but was ultimately consumed further up the mountain as the race’s general classification contenders made their moves.

Digging deep to finish just one minute and 13 seconds back on the stage winner, it was an impressive ride as the 30-year-old’s form continues to improve.

Fabio Aru (Astana) took advantage of the big names looking at one another to steal clear and take the stage win by 21 seconds. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) dropped compatriot and race leader Rigoberto Uran in the closing stages, but was only able to chip 20 seconds away from the maglia rosa.

Uran (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) crossed the line in fifth place but was still able to put time into nearest rivals Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo) following an enthralling finish. The end result sees the former Team Sky rider head into the final rest day with a lead of 1:03 on Evans, who was followed home in the same group by Deignan.

“Philip did a really good job today," said Sports Director Dario Cioni. "It was great to see him up there with the lead contenders and his form is getting better the further he goes into the race.

“We’re still committed to taking a stage win and we’ll take the race day by day after the rest day tomorrow.”