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.

Dani Ostanek
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. Before joining the team, she had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur. She writes and edits at Cyclingnews as well as running newsletter, social media, and how to watch campaigns.