French cyclist Damien Monier attacked his breakaway compatriots on the final climb to win Stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday.
His first ever win after 8 years as a pro came more than 10 minutes ahead of the battlers for the overall leaders' jersey crossed the finish line in Pejo Terme at the end of the 107- bike race from Brunico.
The chasing group contained all the leaders, including the maglia rosa David Arroyo, Ivan Basso (2nd), Richie Porte (3rd), and Cadel Evans (4th). The biggest change was Porte losing 8 seconds.
Basso's Liquigas team took control of that group toward the end of the state to prevent any attacks from getting away and gaining time against the Italian.
In the last few hundred yards, Michele Scarponi attacked and crossed the finish a couple of bike lengths in front of that elite bunch. Scarponi started the day in 8th place, 5:25 behind the leader; he gained one second for his efforts.
Thursday's 96-mile bike race appears suited for what's left of the sprinters, as Stage 18 is mostly flat. That probably won't be a factor in the overall standings.
Then come two mountain stages on Friday and Saturday, followed by a 9-mile individual time trial on Sunday. Arroyo and his Caisse d'Epargne team will be challenged to protect the overall lead as contenders like Basso, Evans and Alexandre Vinokourov battle to win the championship.
1. David Arroyo, Caisse d'Epargne
2. Ivan Basso, Liquigas – 2:27
3. Richie Porte, Saxo Bank – 2:44
4. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing – 3:09
5. Carlos Sastre, Cervelo – 4:41
6. Vincenzo Nibali, Liquigas – 4:53
7. Alexandre Vinokourov, Astana – 5:12
8. Michele Scarponi, Androni – 5:24
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