Cycling-Italian Formolo takes surprise win in Giro (Reuters)
Home favourite Davide Formolo claimed the first victory of his short professional career with a stunning ride into La Spezia on the fourth stage of the Giro d’Italia on Tuesday. The fresh-faced 22-year-old, tipped as a future grand tour champion, was roared into the port city at the end of a wildly unpredictable 150km stage in which Simon Clarke took over the maglia rosa from Orica GreenEdge team mate Michael Matthews. Overall race favourite Alberto Contador was left without any team mates in the Astana-led chasing pack but managed to avoid real damage, the Spaniard finishing 22 seconds behind in a group that included Clarke and Team Sky’s Richie Porte. “(Team mates) Michael Matthews and Simon Gerrans have had great days and today it worked for me.” Formolo attacked just before the final climb with about 13km remaining and once he reached the top with a 30-second advantage he held on for a masterful victory.