Bernal has looked unbeatable under Girot but today showed signs of fatigue despite finishing so well seventh on the stage with a finish in front of crowds of fans in Sega di Ala.

He was picked up by the auxiliary rider and the Colombian compatriot Daniel Martinez who glanced back and guided the Colombian to the finish. 

With around 4 km left of the heavy climb to the finish, overall leader Egan Bernal got really tired and let go when Simon Yates put in the shot when the overall cyclists started to position themselves.

- I pulled on too full and did not see until quite far ahead that Bernal had released.

I will see what I can do in the coming stages, says Yates in Eurosport's broadcast.

- I tried to follow Yates but he was too strong.

I then took no risks and did my best.

I'm glad I didn 't waste that much time, says Bernal.

Dan Martin's solo attack lasted and he was able to win the stage half a minute before Almeida and Yates in third place

- Bernal has had a huge crisis and opened up for the other upcoming stages, says Eurosport's expert Anders Adamson.