Like a starving man who is set down in front of a table full of food, Michele Scarponi (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli ) did not need an excuse to come back for seconds. Scarponi proved to be the strongest of the remnants of a break that numbered as many as twenty-five at one point to take Stage 18 of the 100th Giro d’Italia. Felix Carendas (Barloworld) and Danny Pate (Team Garmin-Slipstream) would finish in second and third, respectively.As I had mentioned previously after his victory on Stage 6, it has proved difficult to cheer for Scarponi, but I certainly wasn’t rooting against him either. Scarponi’s genuine joy after winning another Giro d’Italia stage perhaps speaks volumes over any of his past indiscretions. Repentance and redemption are, after all, part of the human condition.
Results
1. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli
2. Félix Cardenas (Col) Barloworld
3. Danny Pate (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
General Classification After Stage 18
1. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
2. Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - Farnese Vini
3. Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas
4. Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas
5. Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team
6. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
7. Michael Rogers (Aus) Team Columbia - Highroad
8. Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone - Caffe Mokambo
9. Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale
10. Marzio Bruseghin (Ita) Lampre - N.G.C.
Next: Stage 19 - Avellino - Vesuvio, 164km
The third to last stage may well be the decider. After a stroll along the Amalfi Coast, the race heads up the infamous Mt. Vesuvius.
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