There was a reason Danilo DiLuca (LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini) had looked so dominant during the early going of the 100th Giro d'Italia, he had to be.The Individual Time Trial, often referred to as the "Race of Truth," is the proverbial mirror that reveals any and all of a contender's flaws. There is no escaping it during a three week stage race. Those contenders who excel at the discipline are never out of running for the General Classification, while those who under perform in it often have to employ creative means to stay in contention.
Yesterday, Denis Menchov validated his role as Rabobank’s stage race leader and as a serious contender to wear the rose-colored tunic in Rome. He was the veritable picture of effort and concentration for an endurance athlete in covering the undulating 60.6Km distance in a time of 1.34.29.
Another one of the pre-race favorites, Levi Leipheimer, on the other hand, laid the foundation to become the first American since Andy Hampsten in 1988 to win the Tour of Italy. Perhaps Leipheimer’s greatest strength is the knowledge of who he is and who he isn’t as a rider. As such, he has let the race come to him rather than forcing the issue. With an ITT on the final day, the remainder of the course sets up beautifully for his skill set.
Results
1. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
2. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
3. Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo
A reshuffling of the General Classification sees Denis Menchov (Rabobank) in the maglia rosa with DiLuca slipping only one place because of the lead he built up in the mountains.
General Classification After Stage 12
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. Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad
7. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas
8. Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli
9. Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.
10. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad
Next: Stage 13 - Lido di Camaiore - Firenze, 176Km
A relatively flat transition stage provides the perfect respite after today's time trial and a return to the mountains on Stage 14.
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