The Nelson cyclist George Bennett has improved one place to sixth on the Giro d'Italia but the tenth stage has taken a toll on the rider.
George Bennett Photo: LottoNLJumbo
What was expected to be a quiet transition stage - over the longest distance of the entire Giro at 244km - turned into a frantic day of racing which included a couple of climbs.
Bennett's Dutch Lotto team was able to keep him up with the leaders and finished in the main group.... he's now a minute 36 behind tour leader Simon Yates of England.
Yates has extended his overall lead, however his team-mate Estaban Chaves was dropped on the opening climbed and has slipped out of the top ten overall.
Bennett tweeted afterwards.
"One of those stages we will talk about for a while. I guess anything we gained from the rest day has gone to shit after 250km of suffering!, Big shout out to @koenbouwman and @RGUpdate for laying it down today. Another good ride by @enricobattaglin for 4th. Can't wait for bedtime."
Yates now leads by 41 seconds from defending champion Dutchman Tom Dumoulin.
Slovenian rider Matej Mohoric sprinted to victory in the stage
Tonight's Stage 11 is another lumpy one, covering 156km from Assisi to Osimo.
-RNZ/AAP
