Contador extends lead; Gilbert wins 18th stage of Giro (The Associated Press)

Alberto Contador increased his lead on the 18th stage of the Giro d’Italia on Thursday with a well-timed attack on the leg’s big climb, while former world champion Philippe Gilbert posted his second victory in this year’s race. Astana riders Mikel Landa and Fabio Aru fell behind due to a crash before the climb to Monte Ologno, and that’s when Contador attacked, riding by himself for most of the ascent and opening up a significant gap from the other contenders. Contador extended his lead over Landa to 5 minutes, 15 seconds, with Aru third, 6:05 behind.