Australia's hopes of a first stage win at this year's Giro d'Italia have again been scuppered after home powerhouse sprinter Jonathan Milan ensured Queensland ace Kaden Groves had to endure another near-miss as runner-up.
Groves, who finished second to Lidl-Trek's Milan on stage four, again found the thunderous Italian too much to cope with on the chaotic denouement of Wednesday's 207km 11th stage from Foiano di Val Fortore to Francavilla al Mare.
Alpecin-Deceuninck's Groves, seeking to add to his five Grand Tour stage wins and pick up his first victory in 2024, was right in the mix again but Milan proved too strong in the run-in after latching on to the "perfect wheel" of attacking Belgian rival Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), roaring past for his second stage win this year.
