Team Giant-Shimano may be mainly known as a team of sprinters but today they proved that they also have some solid climbers on their roster. Georg Preidler and Simon Geschke animated the hardest climb of the entire race and both ended in the top 10 on the Monte Zoncolan.

Strong climbing performances up the Monte Zoncolan from Georg Preidler and Simon Geschke has seen then finish seventh and tenth respectively on the 20th stage of the Giro d’Italia. Both Preidler and Geschke were in the day’s 19 man break which reached the final climb with enough of an advantage to fight out he stage honours between themselves.

The front group reached the base of the climb with both Team Giant-Shimano riders at the front however as the gradient ramped up, the group splintered and riders pulled clear ahead of the pair as it was every man for himself. Michael Rogers (Tinkoff Saxo) pulled clear in the final kilometres to take the stage with Geschke and Preidler fighting hard all the way to the top to both finish in the top 10.

The large break pulled away early in the stage and set about building a convincing lead over the day’s tough parcours which included two tough climbs before the Zoncolan itself. With Geschke and Preidlerup front Team Giant-Shimano were in a great position for the stage but the final climb was always going to be a tough test with the best legs prevailing by the top.

The group stayed together until the final ascent and by the top both riders proved that they still have power left in their legs after a difficult three weeks of racing by finishing in the top 10.

“The big break went early on and to have our two best guys for a stage like this was the best situation for the team,” said Team Giant-Shimano coach Marc Reef after the stage. “You never know if break will last on a stage like this but you have to try and we made sure we were represented at front today.

“Both the guys were feeling pretty good and to have the legs to race as they did today after three weeks is very promising. The front group stayed together to the beginning of Zoncolan, but this is an honest climb and if you’re feeling good then you can go for good result.

“The team showed again today that we are still offensive and in the race. Of course it is not the top result that you hope for when in a strong position like today but the climb was always going to be a true test of climbing legs and both guys can be happy with their rides.

“Luka [Mezgec]showed today that he is still strong and saved as much energy as possible today before tomorrow’s final stage where we can expect another sprint showdown. We’re looking forward to this and it would be great to finish the race with a nice result.”