Tobias Ludvigsson is still going strong as the Giro is nearing its end, with a 26th place on today’s final mountain stage. Fabio Aru took his second stage win on the mountain top finish.

Stage 20 went from Saint-Vincent to Sestriere. The peloton started with an aperitif of 150km of relatively flat roads before heading to the mighty Colle delle Finestre, facing 9km of gravel roads.

Stage 11 winner Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) was the last rider from the initial break of 9 to ride in the front, as fellow stage winner Mikel Landa (Astana Pro Team) caught him back just before the top of the Finestre, becoming the winner of the Cima Coppi, the highest point of the Giro.

With a powerful attack, Fabio Aru (Astana Pro Team) escaped from the leading group of 6 and won the stage. Alberto Contador (Tinkoff – Saxo) was distanced and finished the stage at 2’25”, his current advantage of 2’02” is enough to take the overall win in this year’s Giro d’Italia.

After stage 20 Team Giant-Alpecin is still in its original composition, heading to the final stage in Milan with the same 9 riders that started the opening team time trial in San Lorenzo three weeks ago.

Coach Marc Reef reflected on the day: “Nine riders made the early break and LottoNL, Tinkoff – Saxo and Team Cannondale – Garmin controlled the pace.

“At the foot of the Finestre the break was caught back except from Zakarin. From that point on, it became seriously difficult and our guys searched for their rhythm and a good group to finish.

“Tomorrow will be an important day for us, it is the last chance on stage victory and we will give everything to bring Luka into good position.”

After the stage Ludvigsson said: “I feel good and I am very happy being that fit on the final weekend of a hard Giro d’Italia.

“I rode my own tempo on the climbs today and passed many strong guys. For tomorrow I hope I can do a strong effort for Luka and we will see.”