Intro:

Colombian Movistar rider Nairo Quintana won the first Grand Tour of his career with victory in the Giro d'Italia, after Slovenian Luka Mezgec won the final stage in a sprint finish on Sunday (1st June).

Script:

The final stage of the Giro d'Italia took the riders over 172 km on a flat route through the countryside of Friuli before having to complete eight laps of a 7.2 km circuit in Trieste.

Nairo Quintana came into the final stage as leader, and the Colombian rider did not disappoint those waiting for his coronation and confirmation as cylcing's latest star.

The 24-year-old climbing specialist won two stages at the Giro and finished with a three-minute, seven-second advantage over fellow countryman Rigoberto Uran.

It was Quintana's first Grand Tour victory following his second place at the Tour de France behind Chris Froome last year.

Slovenia's Luka Mezgec won the final stage in a mass sprint ahead of Giacome Nizzolo and Tyler Farrar who finished second and third respectively.

Quintana, wearing the maglia rosa, finished safely in the middle of pack before lifting the Giro trophy.

The Colombian has said he won't be participating at this year's Tour de France, but has his eyes set on winning the Tour next year.

It was the first time in history that a South American triumphed at the Giro d'Italia.