SESTRI LEVANTE, Italy (AP) β Michael Matthews sprinted to victory on the third stage of the Giro d’Italia on Monday to remain in the overall lead on a day marred by a bad crash involving Domenico Pozzovivo.
Matthews timed his sprint to perfection and the Australian even had time to raise his arms in celebration as he crossed the line half a length ahead of Fabio Felline and Philippe Gilbert on the short but hilly 136-kilometer (84.5-mile) route from Rapallo to Sestri Levante.
Pozzovivo crashed on a descent, within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the finish. The Italian fell hard and stayed on the ground for several minutes. He received prompt medical attention and was moving and breathing unaided as he was taken to hospital by an ambulance.
The 98th Giro ends May 31 in Milan.
