Eddie Dunbar drops to fifth after gruelling Giro stage but eyes historic finish

The Banteer man was distanced in the latter part of the 19th stage from Longarone to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Geraint Thomas, pink jersey, pedals in the pack during the 19th stage of the Giro D'Italia. Picture: (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)

Eddie Dunbar is one day away from one of the best-ever performances by an Irish rider over three weeks at a Grand Tour, despite dropping to fifth overall at the Giro d’Italia on Friday.

The 26-year old was distanced in the latter part of Friday's hellish 19th stage from Longarone to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which was won by Colombian climber Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain Victorious).