Froome falters as Gerrans wins Giro stage in Bologna

GREAT Britain's Chris Froome blew up in the closing kilometre as Simon Gerrans took line honours in the 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

Froome sits just inside the top thirty, the leading British rider in the general classification - 14 minutes behind the maglia rosa.

But his bid for a maiden Grand Tour win came to an end during a spiteful uphill finish in Bologna.

Gerrans took advantage to pull away at the conclusion of a demanding day that took the peleton on a mountainous route from Campi Bisenzio in soaring temperatures.

Froome faded to sixth as Rubens Bertogliati and Francesco Gavazzi completed the podium behind Australian Gerrans.

Denis Menchov maintains the race lead although second placed Danilo di Luca claimed back a few seconds.

The race continues its journey through the Apennine mountains on Sunday with a 161km stage between Forli and Faenza.

Meanwhile, as expected, Great Britain's Mark Cavendish wasn't on the startline on Saturday after quitting the race following yesterday's third stage win in Florence.