Pogacar extends Giro lead to over 7 minutes after winning altered Stage 16 amid protests at start

SANTA CRISTINA, Italy (AP) — After a chaotic, wet and unusual start to the 16th stage of the Giro d’Italia, there was a familiar sight at the finish on Tuesday.

Tadej Pogacar won on a much-altered 118.4 kilometers (73.6 miles) route from Laas, and following protests at the start, to extend his considerable advantage to over seven minutes.

The Slovenian cycling star counted up the stage wins on his fingers — five — and then raised up his hand as he crossed the line at Santa Cristina Valgardena, 16 seconds ahead of Giulio Pellizzari and Daniel Martinez.

Pogacar’s win seemed inevitable when the two-time Tour de France winner made his attack on the steep climb to the finish with 1.3 kilometers remaining and he made it look easy.

The UAE Team Emirates rider was 23 seconds behind Pellizzari but he passed him with 0.7 kilometers remaining and soloed to the finish.

Very good!（479）