Rinaldo Nocentini finished 7th in stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia after he had joined the right breakaway.

"I knew it would be difficult to join the break," he said. "I managed to be in front. On the climb, I preferred to ride at my own pace with Gilbert and Chavanel after I had tried to be with the best. I crested the summit with a 30-second delay.

"I finished 7th and I am quite satisfied. I did a good stage but when you are in front like that, you want more. We are all looking for victory. I rode well in the early season. I was not good at the start of the Giro but I am finishing in a good way. There are more days and I will try again."