As promised, the Stage 12 individual time trial shook up the standings of the 2009 Giro d'Italia bicycle race as Danilo Di Luca finally gave up his pink leader's jersey to Denis Menchov, left.
US cyclist Levi Leipheimer stepped up one place to 3rd overall, 40 seconds behind Menchov and just 6 seconds behind second place Di Luca.
Comeback cyclist Lance Armstrong gained more ground on Wednesday, increasing his position to 12th in the overall standings, but dropping back to 6:34 behind the leader.
Now at the mid-point of the three week bicycle race around Italy, it remains to be seen if Menchov's Rabobank team can help him protect the lead, or if Leipheimer's Astana teammates can help him whittle away at Menchov's lead.
Di Luca will be looking to win back the pink jersey. Based on his efforts earlier in the Giro and at the time trial, there's no reason to count him out.
Although Thursday's stage was a time trial, not many cyclists used pure time trial bikes. The 37-mile course had two sturdy climbs followed by quick, twisty descents. This prompted many turned to their standard racing bikes.
The Giro ends on May 31 with a 14.4-kilometer time trial in Rome.
The three time checks came at the top of the first climb, the bottom of that descent, and the top of the second climb. Leipheimer and Menchov turned in their best performances in on that second climb to the Passo del Termine.
Armstrong seemed satisfied with his results. He commented on Twitter:
“How hard was that?!? It was as epic as I thought. I felt pretty good and consistent. Just missed the top 10 but considering the last month, I never thought that was possible. Have to be pleased.
“[Leipheimer] was awesome and got 2nd and is 3rd on GC which is perfectly placed. He's 40 secs back. Not too much. Last week here is very difficult with several summit finishes. Onward.”
Menchov, 31, already has two championships to his credit from the Vuelta a Espana in 2005 and 2007. This is the Russian's second stage win at the Giro this year, as he finished first on Stage 5.
Thursday's Stage 13 is essentially a flat, 109-mile ride between Lido di Camaiore and Firenze. Universal Sports will carry a live, free video stream of the stage.
Top 10 finishers in time trial
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank, 1.34.29
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana, 0.20 behind
3 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone – Caffe Mokambo, 1.03
4 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana, 1.14
5 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas, 1.27
6 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini, 1.54
7 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin – Slipstream, 1.59
8 Gabriele Bosisio (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini, 2.04
9 Jose Serpa (Col) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli, 2.13
10 Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre – N.G.C., 2.17
Top 10 overall
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes – Farnese Vini, 0.34 behind
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana, 0.40
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas, 2.00
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team, 2.52
6 Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia – Highroad, 2.58
7 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas, 3.00
8 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli, 4.38
9 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia – Highroad, 5.53
10 David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne, 5.55
More results and race reports at CyclingNews.
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