The individual time trial of 59.4 kilometres between Treviso and Valdobbiadene has changed a lot in the general classification of the Giro. Jurgen Van den Broeck set the seventh time, 1’25” behind stage winner Vasil Kiryienka. The Belgian moved up six places in GC and is now fifth at 4’17” of Alberto Contador who took over the pink jersey from Fabio Aru.

Also Maxime Monfort did well. The Lotto Soudal rider was twentieth at 2’37” and moved up from the thirteenth to the eleventh place at 6’01” of Contador. Tomorrow there is a new test for the GC riders with a summit finish at Madonna di Campiglio.

“This morning I did a recon of the course, so I knew what to expect," Van Den Broeck said. "I did the first ten kilometres and the last thirty kilometres, which were the hardest because of the climbs. Together with sports director Bart Leysen I decided to take a fast start. If you don’t start at one hundred per cent it’s difficult to take back time in the tough part. I wanted to hang on to that rhythm as long as possible and ride a constant time trial.

"It went smoothly right from the beginning, I didn’t have to force anything. When the GC riders had to ride the wind had changed. I had to compare my time with that of my opponents and I noticed that I was doing well. I had a good feeling during the time trial, but still I was surprised that of the GC riders only Contador finished ahead of me.

“Before the start of this time trial I said the Giro began today. It went well for me, but there are still tough days to come. I have faith and want to confirm in the next stages. I now feel more relaxed. I had to take back time, before yesterday’s crash I was sixteenth.

"In the first week I had some difficult moments uphill. It has always been the plan to be at my best in the second part of the Giro, that might be the case. I’m in a good position now, that’s nice to continue the Giro with. In the Tour de Romandie and here I gained time in the time trial. I worked a lot on this discipline and I’m really happy I could show this today.”