Franco Pellizotti of Team Liquigas Doimo has seen action in this years Giro d’Italia and his efforts have finally paid off for his first win of the year. 14 km from the finish of the short 83km stage starting at Chieti, Pellizotti attacked and managed to stay clear of Di Luca, Menchov, Basso, Garzelli, Sastre and Armstrong who were all trailing as they headed up to Blockhaus. He took the win 42 seconds of Garzelli (second) and Di Luca (third).
While the weather during stage 17 was somewhat more bearable after two very host stages, it hasn’t dampened the action as Pellizotti now moves to place 3 in the general classifications pushing Carlos Sastre back. Danilio Di Luca in second is still trying to close his gap (26 seconds) on Denis Menchov with another climb and time trial left to see whether Menchov can keep the Maglia Rosa.
Australian Michael Rogers is about 7 minutes behind Menchov in the GC. Tomorrows stage from Sulmona to Benevento is 182 kilometres and a sprint finish is expected.
Top Ten Results on Stage 17
1 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 2.21.06 (35.294 km/h)
2 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 0.42
3 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini 0.43
4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.48
5 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 0.57
6 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre – N.G.C. 1.54
7 Sylvester Szmyd (Pol) Liquigas 1.55
8 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 1.59
9 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana
General Classification after Stage 17
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 72.28.24
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini 0.26
3 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 2.00
4 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 3.28
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 3.30
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 4.32
7 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 7.05
8 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 8.03
9 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 9.58
10 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre – N.G.C. 10.33
