Darren Rafferty best of the Irish ahead of stage 17 of Giro d'Italia

Italian rider Christian Scaroni won yesterday's 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia

Co Tyrone's Darren Rafferty crossed the line in 40th and is 80th overall.

Tipperary man Sam Bennett is 147th in the general classification.

Today's 17th stage sees the riders travel 155-kilometers from San Michele to Bormio, with 3,800 meters of climbing ahead.