In the second last stage of the Giro d’Italia, the pace was fast on the relatively flat stage with an average of 44 kmh though the top placed riders played safe not allowing one another to break through.
While a final sprint was expected, once the chase group reached the break away shortly before the finish, Philippe Gilbert (Silence-Lotto) and Thomas Voeckler (BBox Bouygues Telecom) attacked and took a short lead with Gilbert the stronger rider to take line victory as Voeckler was unable to stay in touch.
Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) came through shortly after followed by the trialing driders in dribs and drabs with no significant changes in the GC. The final stage, the Time Trial in Rome will be a face-off between GC leader Denis Menchov (Rabobank) and Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes) should they be able to keep their overall lead on the trailing Pellizotti (1:43) and Sastre (2:44). Rain however is a possibility and with some cobbled sections, the course may prove to be a challenge.
Top Ten Results on Stage 20
1 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Silence-Lotto 4.30.07 (45.091 km/h)
2 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) BBox Bouygues Telecom 0.02
3 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 0.07
4 Allan Davis (Aus) Quick Step
5 S?bastien Hinault (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
6 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
7 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team Columbia – Highroad
8 Giovanni Visconti (Ita) ISD
9 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Cervelo Test Team
10 Serge Pauwels (Bel) Cervelo Test Team
General Classification after Stage 20
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 85.44.05
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini 0.20
3 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 1.43
4 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 2.44
5 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas 3.37
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 4.59
7 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo 8.44
8 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad 9.36
9 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 10.46
10 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre – N.G.C. 11.36
