Domenico Pozzovivo continues to gain time on his key rivals in the Giro d'Italia mountains. Today the Italian climber was the one to take the initiative on the roads to Oropa and proved that he is one of the strongest climbers in the race.

Already in Sestola did Domenico Pozzovivo prove that he is one of the strongest climbers in this year's Giro d'Italia and today he again showed his excellent conditions. While most of the GC riders had a conservative approach to the 14th stage, the tiny Italian again planned to gain time on his key rivals.

Early on the final climb he showed his intentions when he asked key teammates Hubert Dupont and Alexis Vuillermoz to up the pace before he launched he own strong attack. Only Nairo Quintana could keep up with him and the pair rode away from all their rivals.

While Quintana only followed wheels, Pozzovivo rode hard allt he way to the top. His efforts cost him a bit in the end when he was dropped by his Colombian rival but gained time on all the riders ahead of him in the overall standings.

“The goal today was to try to win some valuable time overall and that’s what Domenico managed to do," sports director Laurent Biondi said. "The team did a great work around him throughout the day and we played our cards on the final climb.

"We also have to emphasize the noteworthy stage done today by Axel Domont who was present in the breakaway. He was able to support Domenico during some meters in the final part
 

"Tomorrow, the stage will be a little bit longer than today but there won’t be many difficulties before the final ascent to Plan di Montecampione. Our goal remains the same: to continue to gain time overall.”