Like many other, Fabio Duarte (Colombia) was involved in the big crash on the descent in today's eleventh stage of the Giro d'Italia. Luckily the Colombian was unhurt and he battled his way back to finish 9th on the stage.

97th Giro d’Italia’s stage 11 (Collecchio – Savona, 249 Km) was not the day for the long-lasting escapes all expected, but resulted in a thrilling finale with many upsets. Aussie Michael Rogers claimed a solo victory taking advantage as the “maglia rosa” group shortly slowed down along Naso di Gatto’s downhill. Saxo Tinkoff’s rider preceded on the finish line the chase group led by German Simon Geschke (Giant Shimano) ahead of Enrico Battaglin (Bardiani-CSF).

Team Colombia’s leader, Fabio Duarte, took part to the sprint for the second place scoring ninth, whilst his teammate Robinson Chalapud placed 23rd after a brilliant display on the final climb’s opening slopes. No fears for pink jersey’s holder Cadel Evans who had main GC rivals Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma Quick Step, + 0:57) and Rafal Majka (Saxo-Tinkoff, + 1:20) under smooth control.

Several break attempts marked the early stage, with Team Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rubiano Chavez and tireless Carlos Julian Quintero in the action. Nevertheless, the peloton left no room for the action until the Passo Cento Croci climb and the dangerous descent to follow, which caused Fabio Duarte’s spill, with no consequence. Meanwhile, a 14-man group gained momentum, but Androni-Venezuela’s riders chased the break, packing the bunch at the foot of Naso di Gatto’s ascent, where Julien Arredondo moved on the attack.

The BMC guys took the charge to hook up the Trek climber with 24 Km to go, but didn't stop decisive attack of Michael Rogers, who managed the keep a few seconds gap until the finish line.

“I would call this a good day if you consider the way things panned out today," Duarte said. "In the crash I took a blow in my pelvis, and it took 40 kilometres to bridge back to the Maglia Rosa group, thanks to my teammates who did a great job and always stood at my side. All in all, the ninth place at the finish was a pretty good outcome.”

Tomorrow, Thursday May 22nd, Claudio Corti’s fellows tackle a long 42km individual time-trial (Barbaresco-Barolo) that will definitely have a big impact on the Giro classification.