Milan wins chaotic sprint at end of 11th stage of Giro. Pogacar stays in pink

FRANCAVILLA AL MARE, Italy (AP) - Italian cyclist Jonathan Milan sprinted to victory at the end of the 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday, while Tadej Pogacar kept his firm grip on the leader's pink jersey.

Milan, who rides for the Lidl-Trek team, edged out Tim Merlier and Kaden Groves in a bunch sprint that was made even more chaotic by the headwind at the finish at Francavilla al Mare.

It was Milan’s second win in this year's race - he also sprinted to victory on the fourth stage - and his third overall following last year's debut Giro win.

It was a lengthy slog on Wednesday but the 207-kilometer (129-mile) route from Foiano di Val Fortore featured just one third-category climb before it headed along the Adriatic coast.

The final four kilometers had some risky road traffic but Pogacar finished safely with the rest of the contenders to maintain his lead of 2 minutes, 40 seconds ahead of Daniel Martinez.

Last year's runner-up Geraint Thomas, who is third, picked up two potentially valuable bonus seconds but was still 2:56 behind Pogacar.

Thursday's 12th stage starts flat along the coast but then cuts inland for four fourth-category climbs on a 193-kilometer (120-mile) route from Martinsicuro to Fano.

The Giro ends in Rome on May 26.

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AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling