Time-trial masterclass earns Dumoulin Giro lead
Tom Dumoulin blew the field away in the time trial following a rest day, opening up an overall lead of two minutes and 23 seconds.
Tom Dumoulin surged into the Giro d'Italia general classification lead with a blistering time-trial win and Geraint Thomas finished second just two days after a police motorbike dealt a huge blow to his title hopes.
Dumoulin started Tuesday's 10th stage 24 seconds adrift of Nairo Quintana, who took the Maglia Rosa two days earlier with a victory on stage nine.
But Team Sunweb rider Dumoulin produced a time-trial exhibition on the 39.8 kilometre route from Foligno to Montefalco to take the pink jersey.
The 26-year-old from the Netherlands was in a class of his own, clocking 50:37 to open up an advantage of two minutes and 23 seconds over Quintana, who was 2:53 slower than the new leader to finish back in 23rd.
Thomas was in agony after the hitting the deck on Sunday following a crash 13km from the finish, having been wiped out by Wilco Kelderman when the Team Sunweb rider clipped a poorly parked police motorcycle.
The Team Sky rider clearly benefited from Monday's rest day, taking second spot in the time trial and leading the way until Dumoulin was 49secs quicker.
GOOD DAY/BAD DAY
While an elated Dumoulin was able to celebrate his second Giro stage win, it was a day to forget for Colombian duo Quintana and Fernando Gaviria.
Dumoulin had to hand over the Maglia Rosa on May 13 last year, but had it back over his shoulders on Tuesday after destroying the field.
Pre-race favourite Quintana will be glad to get time trial out of the way, while his compatriot Gaviria crashed just 3km in, but avoided serious injury.
Points classification leader Gaviria, who has won two stages in this year's Giro, is expected to continue the race.
STAGE RESULTS
1. Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) 50.37
2. Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) +0.49s
3. Bob Jungels (Quick-Step Floors) +0.56s
4. Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) +1.40s
5. Vasil Kiryienka (Team Sky) +2.00s
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1. Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) 42:57.16
2. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) +2.23s
3. Bauke Mollema (Trek Segafredo) +2.38s
4. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +2.40s
5. Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) +2.47s
POINTS CLASSIFICATION
1. Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors) 191
2. Jasper Stuyven (Trek Segafredo) 160
3. Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) 129
KING OF THE MOUNTAINS
1. Jan Polanc (UAE Team Emirates) 44
2. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) 35
3. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) 27
UP NEXT…
Quintana will attempt to strike back on a 161km ride from Ponte a Ema to Bagno di Romagna on Wednesday as the race moves past the halfway stage.
Climbers and descenders should come to the fore on the queen stage which includes four climbs and a lengthy drop to the finish line.