Monte Grappa , Italy - Colombia's Nairo Quintana, wearing the leader's pink jersey, closed in on victory by winning the 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia on the slopes of Monte Grappa on Friday.
The Movistar rider consolidated his race lead two days before the finish as he crossed 17sec ahead of Italy's Fabio Aru following a 26.8km time-trial.
Colombian Rigoberto Uran, second in the overall standings, finished third at 1min 26sec, as Quintana achieved his second stage success of this year's race.
Quintana holds a 3min 7sec lead on Uran in the overall standings with Aru at 3min 48sec.
Saturday's final stage in the mountains covers 167km from Maniago to Monte Zoncolan, with the final climb considered one of the toughest in Europe with 10.1km at 11.9percent gradient.
Sapa-AFP