The Movistar rider followed up his stage 16 win by crossing the line first in the mountain time trial stage today from Bassano de Grappa to Cima Grappa.

Quintana finished 17 seconds ahead of Italian Fabio Aru over the 26.8 kilometre stage in a time of 1 hour 5min 37sec with Uran 1:26 behind in third.

Astana rider Aru's performance delighted the crowds lining the route and now sees him sitting third in the general classification, overtaking Frenchman Pierre Rolland, who followed the Italian home in fourth spot in Cima Grappa.

However, it looks a straight shoot-out between the Colombians over the next two days, with Quintana now leading Uran by 3:07 as they get ready to tackle another mountain stage tomorrow in the form of the 167km route from Maniago to Monte Zoncolan.

"I had a great feeling and I took full advantage of it, I was really well prepared," said 24-year-old Quintana.

"Tomorrow, I have a strong team to control the stage.

"I'll try to attack when we get towards the top.

"Why not?"

Quintana extended his overall lead in the Giro d'Italia with a powerful display on the gruelling 19th stage from Bassano de Grappa to Cima Grappa©AFP/Getty Images



Quintana had taken a 1:41 lead into today's stage but was put under pressure early when Omega Pharma - Quick-Step rider Uran negotiated a flat opening 7.5km 16 seconds faster.

However, as the riders began the 19km long climb up Cima Grappa, which averages an eight per cent gradient and a maximum of 14 per cent, Quintana turned on the power and was 33 seconds ahead after the first few kilometres of the climb.

At the 19.3km split, Quintana had a 36 second lead over his compatriot while the impressive Aru was just eight seconds behind the leader.

The 23-year-old Aru continued to push and drew level with Quintana with just 3km to go, but the Colombian found another gear and powered through the final 1.5km to take the win.

Aru's compatriot Domenico Pozzovivo of the AG2R team finished in fifth place to occupy the same position in general classification.

Tomorrow's stage finishes with the intimidating Monte Zoncolan at the end of a brutal 10.1 kilometre climb at an average gradient of 11.9 per cent.

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