Wilco Kelderman and the Belkin team got a late scare when a big crash brought down several riders in today's tenth stage of the Giro d'Italia but the Dutchman escaped the carnage without going down. His teammate David Tanner had hoed to attack in the finale but the crash derailed his plans.

David Tanner led Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM over the finish line today in the Giro d’Italia’s 10th stage. The Australian placed 18th. It followed up his performance on Sunday, the day before the rest day, when he escaped during the stage. 

“I knew that the last few kilometres were very technical and slightly uphill,” Tanner said. “I was at the front to assist Wilco and thought that this could be a chance for me. 

“I hoped to give it a try with late attack or something. In a sprint, I don’t stand a chance against those fast men. Unfortunately, a rider who nearly crashed held me up. 

“I’m very motivated to help Wilco during the remainder of the race and maybe I can show myself again. I feel that my true form is coming back after I broke my collarbone in the Tour Down Under.” 

The flat stage cut through Emilia-Romagna from Modena to Salsomaggiore Terme and covered 173 kilometres. Despite the long escape by Italians Andrea Fedi and Marco Bandiera, a sprint eventually decided the day’s winner. Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) won his third stage of the race by out-sprinting Giacomo Nizzolo and Michael Matthews. 

In the last kilometre, a rider crashed and took down many others. Luckily, the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM escaped unscathed. Team leader Wilco Kelderman safely finished 30th and his team-mates in green and black were also unharmed. 

“Wilco was right behind the crash, but he was able to steer to the right and pass it,” said Sports Director Jan Boven. “The rest of the guys stayed out of trouble, as well. The spill, though, was obviously a shock. For us sports directors, as well. 

“Today was quite a boring day. Our goal was to do survive the final without damage. And we did." 

The Giro peloton climbs again tomorrow. Stage 11 takes the pack from Collecchio to Savona via two second category climbs. 

“Our main goal will be to make sure that Wilco starts the second climb in a good position,” Boven said. “It would be a nice extra to join the breakaway as tomorrow should allow one to survive.”