Cycling: Kiwi riders near leaders in Giro d'Italia

New Zealand's two riders in the Giro d'Italia remain up near the leaders after a controversy filled third stage.

Jack Bauer's played a part in leading Garmin teammate Tyler Farrar to third in the stage which was won by Australia's Matthew Goss.

Bauer is 28 seconds behind the overall lead with fellow Kiwi Jesse Sergent inside the top 10.

However, a serious crash in the dying stages has overshadowed the stage.

Italian rider Roberto Ferrari has been slammed for causing a heavy crash which took out British world champion Mark Cavendish and tour leader Taylor Phinney.

Riders, including Cavendish, have called for Ferrari to be thrown out of the tour.