Modolo at the double as Contador remains in pole position at Giro d'Italia

Italy's Lampre-Merida rider Sacha Modolo took his second Giro d'Italia stage victory today ©Getty Images

Lampre-Merida’s Sacha Modolo of Italy claimed his second win at this year’s Giro d’Italia with a thrilling stage 17 victory from Tirano to Lugano in Switzerland today.

The largely flat 134 kilometres stage provided another bunch sprint finish and it was Modolo who came out on top in a time of 3 hours 7min 51sec, holding off the challenge of compatriot Giacomo Nizzolo of the Trek Factory Racing outfit and Slovenia's Luka Mezgec, who rides for Giant-Alpecin.

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Alberto Contador moved a step closer to claiming the overall title as he maintained his general classification lead by finishing safely in the pack.

The Spaniard holds a 4min 02sec advantage over nearest challenger and compatriot Mikel Landa of the Astana team, while Landa’s teammate Fabio Aru of Italy remains in third.

Contador will now take some catching as the shortest non time trial stage provided him with little issues, and the next two days could shape the destination of the Giro d’Italia as both will feature long, steep climbs conducive to the Spaniard’s ability.

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Alberto Contador managed to finish safely in the pack to maintain his general classifcation lead — Tinkoff-Saxo rider Alberto Contador managed to finish safely in the pack to maintain his general classification lead ©Getty Images

“In theory it was a transitional stage but it was hard,” the current Maglia Rosa holder said.

“The road went up and down and we were riding into a headwind for most of the day.

“I’m very happy because I got through the stage safely and arrived in Lugano, where I live, on my home roads.

“I’m one day closer to Milan.”

But the stage belonged to 27-year-old Modolo, who managed to double his win tally after he reigned supreme in 13th stage from Montecchio Maggiore to Jesolo last Friday (May 23).

He was guided to another superb win by his team-mates and he claims he does not fear anyone in the race as he proved too strong a sprinter for the rest of the field once again.

“Yesterday was very hard, but I had good legs today and it was nice and hot - the sort of day I like,” Modolo said.

“Perhaps we could do with one more rider but, after months of hard work, in Max Richeze and Roberto Ferrari I have one of the best lead-out trains going.

“I’m afraid of no one.”

The 170km 18th stage is due to to place tomorrow from Melide in Switzerland to Verbania.