Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) defended the maglia rosa in today's 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia which finished on the category 2 climb to Vajont. Despite an attack from Michele Scarponi (Lampre) he did not concede any time to his rivals on a day that was always controlled by his Astana team.

Today's 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia was one of those in which you cannot win the race but surely lose it. Two category 2 climbs were on the menu and while they were not steep enough to make a difference, the terrain was tough enough to see you lose time if you were on a bad day.

That was not the case for Vincenzo Nibali who defended his overall lead by finishing safely in the group of favourites. After a hectic start to the stage, 20 riders finally went clear and from then on his Astana team controlled proceedings all the way to the finish line.

What was not shown on television was that he was actually put under pressure by 5th placed Michele Scarponi who had attacked on the final climb but the gradient of only around 5% were not enough to make a selection. Instead, Scarponi had to accept finishing in the same time as Nibali who is getting used to the role of race leader.

“It isn’t the first time I’ve done this," Nibali said. "When I won the Vuelta [(n 2010, ed.), it was very difficult and I had to fight to the end to win it. Here, I’m taking it day by day. The road is long, and there is stiff opposition. Urán looks strong, and Scarponi tested himself a bit on the final climb, although the gradient wasn’t really enough to thin out the group. But the team worked very well all stage. We had everything under control."

The team has been hampered somewhat by illness in recent days with both veteran Paolo Tiralongo and youngster Fabio Aru being affected. However, things are getting a lot better and today Tiralongo was able to do some work on the lower slopes of the final climb.

"Tiralongo has recovered from his bronchitis, although Aru is still very young and will need more time," Nibali said. " "Paolo had some bad luck when he crashed, and then suffered right after that with illness. To see him back at the front today makes everybody happy, not only because he is a strong part of our squad, but also because he makes the race better when he is in it."

Today's stage was a very special one as it was held to commemorate a tragic accident in 1960 in which at least 1917 people died. Nibali was keen to point out the significance of the Giro turning the world's attention to the tragedy.

“The racing was pretty tranquil today," he said. "A breakaway got away and we controlled it from behind. As for the history behind today’s stage, the Maglia Rosa and the Giro always embrace the history of every stage start and finish, so it was certainly in the back of our minds."

Tiralongo was naturally happy to once again feel useful to the team.

"I had that sensation in my body today, the one that tells me I can go to work," he explained. "The whole team was pulling to keep the breakaway in check, it wasn't just me. But I definitely felt good taking my turn at the front to keep the Maglia Rosa."

"I felt okay today. Let's say I felt like my old self. I think it's going to get better still, and next week, when we get to the really hard mountain stages, I am going to be able to punch above my weight."

The Astana team will probably get a lot more help in tomorrow's 12th stage. Being almost flat it is tailor-made for the sprinters whose teams will certainly make sure that it comes back to a big bunch kick in the end.

Starting at 14.15 you can follow the action on CyclingQuotes.com/live.