Stage 3: Matthews Tops The Bunch
Michael MatthewsMichael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla) took advantage of the late climb that wore out the pure sprinters to take first place on Stage 3. It was a flat course until about 30km to go, raising the sense of anticipation for late fireworks. The Australian rider bested the rest at the final reduced bunch sprint.
Stage 3Matthews was the beneficiary of smart team tactics as teammate Filippo Zanna baited the pack with a stiff pace up the fiercest climb of the day, the Laghi di Monticchio. The pure sprinters were whittled away, leaving only riders like speedy all-arounders Mads Pederson and Kaden Groves in true contention. The trailing pair came in second and third place, respectively.
The pink jersey for top overall time (and the white jersey for best young rider) remains with the worldbeater Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step). The purple sprinter jersey remains with Stage 2 winner Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious). Fan and media favorite Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) claims the blue climber jersey.
American Brandon McNulty suffered a bad roll of the dice. Previously at 9th overall, he’s now in 75th place after a disastrous Stage 3 in which he sacrificed his ranking to help crashed teammate João Almeida back to the pack.
Almeida crashed about 15km from the end of the stage. With McNulty’s assistance, the Portuguese rider worked his way back into contention (and actually improved his overall rank from third to second overall).
McNulty’s overall placement, however, is out the window at nearly six-minutes back. He will now be firmly assigned to a support role for the remainder of the 2023 Giro d’Italia.
American Will Barta (Movistar) is now the highest placed overall of his countrymen in 16th place.
The Australian wins with strong legs and smart team tactics.