The LottoNL-Jumbo cyclist is in a commanding position in the leader's Maglia Rosa jersey and was second behind stage winner Alejandro Valverde today, on the same time as the Spaniard.

Valverde, riding for Movistar, out-sprinted Kruijswijk at the end of the 132 kilometre stage from Bressanone/Brixen to Andalo.

The pair were part of a three-man break, along with Russia's Ilnur Zakarin, who rode away on the penultimate climb of the day.

The lead pair were timed at 2 hours 58min 54sec with Zakarin coming home eight seconds later.

Kruijswijk has now finished second for three stages in a row with Colombia's Esteban Chaves his nearest overall rival, exactly three minutes behind.

Valverde, one of the pre-race favourites who won the Vuelta a España in 2009, had never won a stage of the Giro before.

He has climbed up to third overall, ahead of Italy's home hope Vincenzo Nibali who had a day to forget.

The Astana rider, who has won all three Grand Tours in his glittering career, could not break with the leading group and finished in 11th, nearly two minutes adrift of the winner's pace.

It means he is 4:43 behind Kruijswijk in fourth and almost certainly out of contention.

Third-place Valverde is 3:23 behind the Dutchman.

Stage 17, from Molveno to Cassano d'Adda, takes place tomorrow.