Some DAP For Gibo

For all that he is (a two time Giro d'Italia champion) and for all that he's claimed to be (a serious challenger to Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France), you can't deny Gilberto Simoni's talent as a climber.

The 35 year old from Trento, Italy again showed why he'll be considered one of Italy's greatest cyclists (there I said it; who else you got...and no I'm not saying he's Fausto Coppi). Simoni won today's Stage 17 up Monte Zoncolan in superlative fashion. His second win up the steep climb, the first coming 4 year ago, Simoni also moved himself onto a podium position.

"I did not know if it was possible to win here again after four years...I saw that Di Luca was too strong for me [in the overall picture] so to win this stage helps," said Simoni.

The stage saw the trio of Leonardo Piepoli (Simoni's Saunier Duval teammate), Andy Schleck (yes there's another talented Schleck on CSC), and Simoni attempt to distance themselves from the maglia rosa on the Zoncolan. Danilo DiLuca (Liquigas), however, was just strong enough on the finale and finished fourth on the day.

With Sunday's ride into Milan quickly approaching and with a lead of more than 2 minutes, DiLuca is that much closer to locking up what would be his greatest victory. But like every athlete in his current position, "The Killer" refuses to think about any part of a celebration saying, "My advantage is important but it is not decisive."