In the eyes of all of Costa Rica, there is no one who looks better in pink than Andrey Amador.
With another impressive performance in Friday’s Stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia, Amador took hold of the pink jersey and first place in the overall standings of the race. The Costa Rican cyclist now has an overall time of 54 hours 5 minutes and 50 seconds, putting him ahead of former race leader Bob Jungels.
“On a personal level, as well as for our team, to have this pink jersey is a great accomplishment,” Amador told reporters after the race Friday.
Friday’s stage saw riders trek from Palmanova to Cividale del Friuli in a 170-kilometer medium-mountain route.
“For my characteristics as a rider I’m happy with the outcome because I’m not a pure climber,” Amador said. “The important thing is we keep all our options in tact going forward.”
Movistar teammate Alejandro Valverde of Spain is in fourth place in the overall standings, sitting 43 seconds behind Amador’s top mark.
Tomorrow, riders will face a grueling 210-kilometer all-mountain stage between Alpago and Corvava. Amador will look to hold onto his lead until May 29, when the Giro d’Italia, widely considered second most important cycling race in the world, concludes.
