Having protected his big overall advantage since moving into the pink jersey , Nairo Quintana (Movistar) had the opportunity to get one hand on the Senza Fine in the mountain time trial, which appeared perfectly suited to him.

Given Rigoberto Uran’s form against the clock in the previous time trial, it was by no means a formality however as the two Colombians looked set to contest the stage honours.

Both opted for the same tactic of starting on a time trial bike before changing as the fierce gradients of the Cima Grappa kicked in, with Uran setting the fastest time over the first sector. Quintana was quickly into his stride on the climb however, with time checks showing he was gradually surging in front.

The performance of Fabio Aru (Astana) up the road, as he obliterated the mark at the final time check made everyone sit up and take notice though.

The young Italian visibly forced every last ounce of energy out as he moved into the winner’s enclosure.

It looked, at one point, as though it would be enough to take the stage but it was not be – Quintana powering into the final, punishing gradients and slicing through the throngs of fans at the roadside to stretch his overall lead and close in on victory.