Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey goes from Grey's Anatomy to pink jersey

pulse 15:32 - 12 May 2017

US actor Patrick Dempsey (centre) rides with the peleton at the start of the 7th stage of the 100th Giro d'Italia, from Castrovillari to Alberobello, on May 12, 2017

Dempsey was appearing as a guest of the BMC team, who were celebrating on Thursday after seeing their Swiss rider clinch the fifth stage.

American actor Patrick Dempsey played a starring role at the Giro dItalia on Friday -- when he donned Giro dItalia a vintage pink jersey and rode with the peloton for the opening kilometres of the seventh stage at Castrovillari.

Dempsey, who played a doctor in the popular television series Grey's Anatomy, was appearing as a guest of the BMC team, who were celebrating on Thursday after seeing their Swiss rider Silvan Dillier clinch the fifth stage.

Dempsey appeared at the start line of Castrovillari and was also pictured on the riders' podium, where he was asked who his favourite cyclist of all-time was.

"Merckx," replied the 51-year-old American, referring to retired Belgian legend Eddy Merckx - generally considered the greatest stage racer of all time.

Dempsey then hopped on his bike, clipped into his cleats and rode alongside Luxembourg's Bob Jungels -- wearing the real pink jersey as race leader -- for the opening kilometres of the route which lead to the official start line.