BIBIONE, Italy (AP) — German rider Andre Greipel sprinted to his third stage win in the Giro d'Italia on Thursday then abandoned the race, while Bob Jungels had little trouble holding onto the overall lead during the 12th stage.
Cranking his pedals in high gear, Greipel surged in front on the final straight of the entirely flat 182-kilometer (113-mile) leg from Noale to Bibione, which is near Venice, crossing the line in over four hours.
Earlier, Greipel announced he would leave the Giro after the stage, which was one of the final winning opportunities for sprinters.
Greipel was wearing the red jersey for leading the points competition that usually determines the best sprinter in the race.