Listen & read
Chris Harper delivers a stunning performance at the Giro d'Italia, moving into fourth place on a challenging Stage 11 and closing the gap on the race leaders. Here’s why his breakthrough could shake up the General Classification as the race unfolds.
Harper, racing for Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling, joins a strong Australian presence in the top 10, now sitting in 10th place overall, just 4:09 behind leader Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious). His key move in a decisive breakaway helped him gain 3:24 on the main contenders, which includes fellow Australians Ben O'Connor (fifth), Jai Hindley (sixth), and Michael Storer (seventh).
The breakaway formed on the steep roads to Chiavari, where Harper finished just behind Diego Ulissi (third) and race winner Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Despite the grueling conditions, Harper remained strategic, riding cautiously and conserving energy for the final sprint.
“This felt like another time trial. It was tough, but I managed to hang on and finish strong,” Harper stated. His tactical approach and determination signal that he isn’t just a participant; he’s a contender ready to challenge the established favorites.
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