Cesare Benedetti has won the first race of his career, claiming the victory in stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia 2019, while Jan Polanc of Slovenia became the new race leader.
Following two flat stages in the Giro d'Italia, Polanc got in a breakaway group on the 158 kilometer mountainous stage, and finished 25 seconds behind 31-year old Benedetti.
The Italian lagged behind earlier in the race, however, worked his way back to the top, before pulling off a perfect ambush, sprinting to the biggest win of his career.
At the end of stage 12, Polanc stands atop with a 4 minute and 7 second lead over Primosh Roglich, who has Valerio Conti with another 44 seconds on his tail.
Stage 13 will take place on Friday with the 196 kilometer run from Pinerolo to Colle del Nivolet.