Team enliven stage 13 in cross-winds

The INEOS Grenadiers enjoyed an exciting hit-out in the cross-winds of stage 13 at the Giro d'Italia, splitting the peloton for an enthralling period of racing.

Heading into the final 60 kilometres, the team took advantage of a directional change to hit the front, upping the tempo to create pressure in the bunch. Side winds saw the peloton split into three distinct groups, with the whole team combining on the front to open out a gap.

Eventually the race came back together, with the team continuing to hold position well at the head of the peloton. That meant they avoided a crash with 20km to go, with some big late turns bringing Geraint Thomas and Thymen Arensman into the final three kilometres in a perfect position.

A big bunch sprint, won again by Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), ensured the GC remained unchanged heading into Saturday's key time trial. 

Thomas sits third overall, 2:56 off the pink jersey of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), with Arensman 10th at 5:52.