Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) took over the pink leader’s jersey at the end of the dreaded, 55.5km individual time trial from Gabicce Mare to Saltara at the Giro d’Italia.

After the undulating, energy-demanding race against the clock, the Sicilian found it difficult to contain a content smile: "You are right; I rode a beautiful time trial today,” Nibali said according to Tuttobiciweb.it.

“The first part was designed for me, with lots of curves and "ups and downs". In the second part I suffered a bit more than the pure time trialists because I am lighter than them, but I handled it well and I kept the energy reserves needed for the final, very tough climb. As we [the Astana team] have always said, this time trial will be crucial for the Giro. During the winter season I worked so hard on my time trial position on my bike. All that work was done with this day in sight.”

“To be able to dress up in this pink jersey is really exciting, equal to the first time I wore it in 2010. I'm really happy, but the road to Brescia is still very long and I do not underestimate anyone."