Gianluca Brambilla relegated in Giro d'Italia sprint spat with George Bennett

George Bennett and Gianluca Brambilla lead Chris Hamilton in the breakaway on stage 12 of the 2021 Giro d'Ialia
George Bennett and Gianluca Brambilla lead Chris Hamilton in the breakaway on stage 12 of the 2021 Giro d'Ialia (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Gianluca Brambilla (Trek-Segafredo) may have crossed the line in third place on stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia in Bagno di Romagna, but the Italian was relegated to fourth place behind Jumbo-Visma's George Bennett after he deviated from his line in the sprint to the finish against the New Zealand road champion.

The pair had been part of the final surviving quartet from the day's early breakaway, contesting the finish on the fast run-in along with eventual stage winner Andrea Vendrame (AG2R Citroën) and second-placed Chris Hamilton (Team DSM), but both were left behind with 2.8 kilometres to go as Brambilla refused to lead the chase.

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Senior news writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

 

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

 

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees How to Watch guides and works on The Leadout newsletter throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix and their favourite published article is from the 2024 edition of the latter: 'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix