Napolitano wins his first Giro stage; Pinotti still in first

Team Milram pretty much controlled the latter part of Monday's Giro d'Italia Stage 9 for sprinter Alessandro Petacchi.

They chased the breakaway, determined when the breakaway would get caught, perfectly led the peloton through the streets of Lido Di Camaiore, and watched as Lampre cyclist Danilo Napolitano took the win.

The Italian was one of the cyclists who set up right behind Petacchi. The other opportunists included Australian Robbie McEwen (Predictor Lotto), Paolo Bettini (QuickStep) and Norwegian Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole).

The quartet of Petacchi, McEwen, Bettini and Hushovd have been in on just about every final sprint at this Giro; Petacchi has two wins, McEwen one, and Bettini and Hushovd have been shut out.

In Monday's sprint, Petacchi was followed by McEwen, then Napolitano, so Napolitano had to pass them both for the win.

T-Mobile's Marco Pinotti held onto his overall lead in the 109-mile stage. Tuesday's Stage 10 will be his fourth day wearing the pink jersey.

The 31-year-old has fought hard to hold onto the jersey, often leading the chase to ensure riders in the breakaway don't take the overall lead. He's had to earn the jersey as he's down to just five other teammates.

Pinotti's lead will certainly be challenged on Tuesday to hold onto his 28 second lead. The 155-mile stage rolls out of the coastal town of Lido Di Camaiore and featured several climbs before the final ascent into the finish at Santuario Nostra Signora Della Guardia.