Russell Downing (Team Sky) overcame illness, crashes and one of the hardest Giro d'Italia routes for years to finish the first grand tour of his career.
The Yorkshire man told Cyclingnews about his highs and lows of the corsa rosa; how he helped young teammate Davide Appollonio in the sprints; tried hard to win the stage to San Pellegrino Terme, crashed 20 metres into the trees but got back on his bike and survived the final mountain stage so he could ride into Milan and finish the Giro.
He was battered and bruised but proud of his achievement.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1