Vincenzo Nibali won a dramatic stage 19 of the Giro d'Italia and Esteban Chaves took the pink jersey after previous leader Steven Kruijswijk suffered a heavy crash on Friday.

Astana rider Nibali broke away to claim victory by 44 seconds on the 162-kilometre route from Pinerolo to Risoul and sit second in the general classification.

Kruijswijk led by three minutes at the start of the stage, but the Lotto NL - Jumbo rider's hopes of winning the famous race looked to have ended as a result of a dramatic fall on the descent of the Colle dell'Agnello.

The Dutchman ploughed into snow and ice at the side of the road, but picked himself to perform repairs on his bike only to have to dismount and get on a replacement.

He lost crucial time and Orica-GreenEDGE rider Chaves took advantage, finishing third to lead Nibali by 44 seconds with just two stages remaining to leave the title within his grasp.

Kruijswijk is now 65 seconds off the pace in third place following a day which will surely cost him a surprise Giro triumph.