Ivan Basso of Liquigas took victory on Stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia
after a grueling mountain climb in northern Italy to move to within
touching distance of the pink jersey. The Italian rider showed immense
grit on a tortuous climb up the infamous Monte Zoncolan.
Michele
Scarponi (Diquigiovanni-Androni) closed the gap on Evans in the closing
stages but had to settle for third while Damiano Cunego (Lampre) came in
fourth, 1min 58secs behind Basso. Stage 14 winners Vincenzo Nibali
(Liquigas) and Marco Pinotti (HTC-Colombia) completed the top eight.
For the time being, the top three of the general classification are:
David Arroyo (GCE), Richie Porte (SAX), Ivan Basso (LIQ), Carlos Sastre
(CTT), Cadel Evans (BMC). Monday is a rest day, allowing those riders
who completed the ascent up the Zoncolan time to recharge their
batteries before Tuesday’s individual 12.9km time trial between San
Vigilio di Marebbe and Plan de Corones.
