Pink panther Pogacar extends Giro lead after time trial

English Woman's Journal - Pink panther Pogacar extends Giro lead after time trial

SPORTS 18.05.2024

Pink panther Pogacar extends Giro lead after time trial / Photo: Luca Bettini - AFP

Team UAE Emirates star Tadej Pogcar extended his overall lead on the Giro d'Italia after finishing second in Saturday's 32.1km individual time trial at Lake Garda won by Italian Filippo Ganna.

Change text size:

Time-trial specialist Ganna timed 35min 02sec on this 14th of 21 stages with Pogacar in second place just 29sec down.

Pogacar left the starting ramp dressed from head to toe in pink and with the 'Pink Panther' movie theme playing.

He arrived on the shores of Lake Garda 3min 41sec ahead of Geraint Thomas in the overall standings with Dani Martinez at 3min 56sec in third and Ben O'Connor in 4th at 4min 35sec.

Pogacar has extended his overnight lead in the rankings ahead of Sunday's Queen stage, which he described as 'a monster' and whose finish line is at an altitude of almost 2,400m.

For Ineos Grenadier Ganna it was a stressful day, the Italian rider having been pipped at the death by Pogacar in the Giro's first time trial last week.

"I suffered a lot, I had to wait two hours to see If I had won," said Ganna after what was his seventh win on the Giro, six of them in time-trials.

"It's like a second home for me here at Lake Garda though so that made it easier," he added.

Welshman Thomas was fourth on the day but climbs to second overall, albeit ceding 45sec to Pogacar on Saturday.

Australia's O'Connor produced an fabulous ride to finish seventh on the day and climb the rankings.

"I didn't feel great, but it was a great day. I'm starting to prove myself, I'm not at the same level as Pogacar or Jonas (Vingegaard) but I'm proving something," said the AG2R rider.

Sunday's mountain top finish line at Mottolino could suit Pogacar with Martinez, O'Connor or French climber Romain Bardet all proven mountain performers.

L.MacDonald--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.