Denis Menchov wins Giro d’Italia 2009 despite crash
Denis Menchov won the 100th Giro d’Italia on Sunday despite falling inside the last mile of the closing time trial.
The Russian was 41 seconds clear of Danilo Di Luca in the overall standings with Franco Pellizotti taking third.
Menchov fell shortly before the finish in Rome but jumped onto a spare bike provided by his team car.
Ignatas Konovalovas won the 8.95-mile (14.4km) time trial by only one second from Englishman Bradley Wiggins.
Menchov finished 10th on the stage with Italian Di Luca 16th.
In the overall standings Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre was fourth, with seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong 12th.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/8076123.stm
Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert wins the penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia
Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert won the penultimate stage of the Giro d’Italia as Russia’s Denis Menchov held on to the overall leader’s pink jersey.
The Belgium cyclist earned victory ahead of France’s Thomas Voeckler and Stefano Garzelli of Italy after a two-way sprint following a late breakaway.
Gilbert clocked four hours, 30 minutes and seven seconds over the 203 kilometre leg from Naples to Anagni.
The Giro d’Italia ends on Sunday 31 May 2009 with a 14.4 km individual time trial in Rome.
Denis Menchov takes Giro lead after winning the 60km time trial
Denis Menchov produced a superb display to win the 60km time trial at the Giro d’Italia and take the leader’s pink jersey from Danilo Di Luca.
The Russian Rabobank rider finished one minute and 54 seconds ahead of Di Luca and now holds a 34-second overall lead.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/8062252.stm