Determined Thomas extends Giro lead

Geraint Thomas put in a controlled performance to defend the maglia rosa and extend his race lead on stage 18. 

Thomas was the only rider able to react to a late attack from Primoz Roglic on the final ascent, following the Jumbo Visma rider before the pair worked together to gain time on their rivals. 

The duo finished 21 seconds ahead of second placed Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) who drops down to third. Thomas now leads the race by 29 seconds from Roglic, with Almeida 39 seconds back. 

Earlier, the Grenadiers had combined well on the first climb of the day, the category one Passo della Crosetta to reduce the peloton and deter attacks from the competitors. 

Laurens de Plus and Thymen Arensman were key to supporting Thomas, with Salvatore Puccio and Ben Swift then re-joining the team after the descent to pace the majority of the stage. 

De Plus then picked up the reigns again on the Cat 1 climb, Forcella Cibiana, reducing the GC bunch further before Sepp Kuss and Roglic went on the offensive, with only Thomas able to join him to extend his overall lead.