Steinhauser claims maiden win on stage 17 of Giro

Georg Steinhauser claimed his maiden career win after a stunning solo ride on stage 17 at the Giro d'Italia.

Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar crossed the line in second to strengthen his lead at the top of the overall standings.

Antonio Tiberi was third, with Welshman Geraint Thomas fourth.

"It's something unbelievable," said German Steinhauser.

"I was nervous on the last climb, I knew I had to push all the way to the finish.

"Already on stage eight I realised I had the legs to win a stage."

Steinhauser, 22, boldly went out on his own in the final 30km of the 159km stage and that decision paid dividends on a wet day through the Dolomites.

Pogacar, who had won four of the five previous mountain stages, broke away from the rest of the peloton in the final 2km to close the gap on Steinhauser, but was unable to make it three wins on the bounce.

The riders return to the road on Thursday for the 178km stage between Fiera di Primiero and Padova.

Stage 17 result

1. Georg Steinhauser (Ger/EF Education-EasyPost) 2hrs, 28mins and 52secs

2. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) +1min 24secs

3. Antonio Tiberi (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +1min 41secs

4. Geraint Thomas (GB/Ineos Grenadiers) Same time

5. Dani Martinez (Col/Bora-Hansgrohe) Same time

6. Einer Rubio (Col/Movistar) Same time

7. Romain Bardet (Fra/Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) Same time

8. Thymen Arensman (Ned/Ineos Grenadiers) +1min 55secs

9. Jan Hirt (Cze/Soudal Quick-Step) Same time

10. Rafal Majka (Pol/UAE Team Emirates) Same time

General classification after stage 17

1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) 63hrs 31mins 18secs

2. Daniel Martinez (Col/Bora-Hansgrohe) +7mins 42secs

3. Geraint Thomas (GB/Ineos Grenadiers) +8mins 4secs

4. Ben O'Connor (Aus/Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) +9mins 47secs

5. Antonio Tiberi (Ita/Bahrain Victorious) +10mins 29secs

6. Thymen Arensman (Ned/Ineos Grenadiers) +11mins 10secs

7. Romain Bardet (Fra/DSM-Firmenich PostNL) +12mins 42secs

8. Einer Rubio (Col/Movistar) +13mins 33secs

9. Filippo Zana (Ita/Jayco-AlUla) +13mins 52secs

10. Jan Hirt (Cze/Soudal Quick-Step) +14mins 44secs