Plapp wins 8th stage as Ulissi takes Giro lead

Luke Plapp of Jayco Alula won stage eight of the Giro d'Italia on Saturday with a formidable solo effort on the 197 km ride from Giulianova to Castelraimondo while Diego Ulissi became the first Italian in four years to take the pink jersey.

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After nearly 20 riders formed a breakaway group with 100 km to go, Plapp attacked the Montelago climb and the Australian did not look back as he rode to victory by a handsome margin to claim his first Grand Tour stage win.

Plapp was so far ahead that there was no chaser in sight, but the 24-year-old still looked cautiously over his shoulder on the final stretch to the finish, hands on head in disbelief as he crossed the line.

"It’s pretty crazy, I still can’t believe it, to be honest. I feel like it’s been a long time coming,” Plapp said.