Rafal Majka (Saxo-Tinkoff) lost the white jersey in the Giro d'Italia in the very last mountain stage when he finished 10th in today's battle on the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo. Distanced by direct rival Carlos Betancur (Ag2r) by no less than 43 seconds, the Danish team admitted that the Colombian was just the strongest young rider in the race.

Rafal Majka and Carlos Betancur have been locked in a tight battle for the white jersey with both riders wearing the coveted shirt at some point in the race. Heading into today's final mountain stage, Majka led Betancur by just 2 single seconds and it was always expected that it would could right down to the final few kilometres on the Tre Cime Di Lavaredo climb today.

That prediction was right as both were quick to respond to the first two accelerations from race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and both were well-placed in the Italian's wheel as part of a select 4-rider group also containing Rigoberto Uran (Sky).

However, Majka suddenly blew up with around 2,5km to go and from then on there was never any doubt as to who will step onto the podium in Brescia tomorrow. While the Pole faded and was passed by numerous riders, the Colombian continued in his chase group to eventually finish 4th.

With just one largely ceremonial stage remaining, Betancur now leads Majka by 41 seconds, and the Danish team admits that there was nothing to do against the superior Colombian today.

”I think Rafal did a very good job today finishing 10th," sports director Dan Frost says. "Naturally, it pains him to lose the white jersey one day away from Brescia but we have to admit that Betancur was simply stronger today."

The Danish team was also hampered by bad luck as an in-form Evgeny Petrov was taken out of contention even before they hit the final climb.

"Unfortunately, we lost Petrov before entering the final climb," Frost explained. "On his way back to the front after a wheel change, a couple of riders who had just done the same, touched wheel with him and he lost his balance and crashed. Very disappointing for Rafa and of course for Petrov who really wanted to show the colours up front on his birthday."

Despite a disappointing end to the race, it cannot take away the positives from the team in a race where Majka has shown his potential as a future grand tour rider.

However, I'm happy about Rafal's overall position," Frost said. "I think he can be happy with this result in his first grand tour as a captain and I for one am looking forward to following him in the future where greater results are within reach."

Majka is now 7th overall and to bring that final top 10 result home, he has to finish tomorrow's flat stage into Brescia safely. Starting at 14.15 you can follow the grand finale of the Giro on CyclingQuotes.com/live.