Carlos Sastre (Cerv?lo TestTeam) powers up to Monte Petrano to take a solo victory and 3rd overall. The final approach was exciting after an early breakaway fell apart in Moria with a steep ascent and Scarponi, Cunego, Popovych and Bosisio forming a lead group with Popovych then taking advantage to move forward leaving the others behind.
Following the leaders, 6 kilometres before the finish line, after attempts by Menchov to break away, Sastre made the break, chased by Basso and behind Menchov and Di Luca. Sastre reached and overtook Popovych while staying clear of his followers.
Popovych said, "The last 7km they told me in my radio that Sastre was coming, really fast, chasing me. I did not want to believe it. When he finally passed me I lost all my pedaling force. What a day-I stayed in the breakaway for 240km. So difficult. In the beginning of the Monte Petrano my legs felt very tired and I knew that behind me were the top classification riders who would attack for the GC. The tactic was good. Johan asked me to go in the breakaway, which I did. And now… We have nothing after such a crazy day, so it is with this sport…" concluded a clearly disappointed Popovych.
While Sastre now moved up to third place overall, Menchov keeps his lead with Di Luca trailing by 39 seconds and Sastre 2:19 behind.
Tomorrow is the second and final rest day with the third stage, 83km on Wednesday.
Top Ten Results on Stage 16
1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 7.11.54 (32.646km/h)
2 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.25
3 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini 0.26
4 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 0.29
5 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 1.19
6 Francesco Masciarelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 1.21
7 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
8 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 2.11
9 Jose Serpa (Col) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli 2.35
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 2.51
General Classification after Stage 16
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 70.06.30
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini 0.39
3 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 2.19
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 3.08
5 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 3.19
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 3.21
7 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 5.54
8 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 8.21
9 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d’Epargne 8.39
10 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 8.47