Leonardo's Work of Art - Stage 15 Giro d'Italia Centoanni

Another day, another breakaway. On a day which featured temperatures suitable for mid-summer rather than late spring, and a route with multiple climbs and a flat finish, a healthy group of 16 would survive until the final climb before being pared down to seven strong.

At the end of a long, hot, and grueling day, Leonardo Bertagnolli (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) would prove to be the most earnest and strongest. Serge Pauwels (Cervelo Test Team), who on the year has yet to see a break he doesn't like would slot into second, while Marco Pinotti (Team Columbia-Highroad) would come in third.

Results
1. Leonardo Bertagnolli (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli
2. Serge Pauwels (Bel) Cervelo Test Team
3. Marco Pinotti (Ita) Team Columbia - Highroad

Mulitple attacks by a pair of former champions, Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Stefan Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) on the final slopes failed to produce the desired result as the gruppo maglia rosa would evntually work their way back and finish with the same time.

General Classification After Stage 15
1. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
2. Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini
3. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
4. Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
5. Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team
6. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas
7. Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad
8. Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.
9. David Arroyo (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
10. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad

Next: Stage 16 - Pergola - Monte Petrano, 237km
Another mountain-top finish would reveal the true contenders for the General Classification.