CyclingRevealed's Giro '08 Perspective
Tappa 21, June 1st, Cesano Maderno to Milano, 28.5 km Individual Time Trial
For Whom the Bell Tolls
An extraordinary edition of the Giro d'Italia comes to a close with a 28.5 km individual time trial into Milan . The overall victory hangs in the balance. Alberto Contador, plucked from a Spanish beach, is on the verge of winning his second Grand Tour. His lead is a mere 4 seconds over a young and talented Riccardo Ricco. Contador is the superior time trialist, but this is Italy and the drive for an Italian to win in Milan is huge. The victory bells will not ring until the final rider crosses the finish line.
War of Words: a young and talented Italian Riccardo Ricco need to mature physically and mentally. It is unfortunate that his trash talk during the closing road stages has tarnished an excellent performance. Yesterday Ricco scolded Emanuele Sella for aiding race leader Alberto Contador by constantly attacking and winning stages… (?) Abrasive maturity may be all we will see from Ricco. Time will tell.
Stop the talk and let the clock begin…! Who will improve their position and who will fall?
1 |
Alberto Cantador |
(Spa) |
AST |
89h23'25" |
2 |
Riccardo Ricco |
(Ita) |
SDV |
+4" |
3 |
Marzio Bruseghin |
(Ita) |
LAM |
+2'00" |
4 |
Franco Pellizotti |
(Ita) |
LIQ |
+2'05" |
5 |
Emanuele Sella |
(Ita) |
CSF |
+2'35" |
6 |
Denis Menchov |
(Rus) |
RAB |
+2'47" |
Riccardo Ricco 2nd Place Overall ( Images © La Gazetta ) |
Alberto Contador the Giro WINNER! ( Images © La Gazetta ) |
| Pos. |
Name |
10.9km |
19.7 km |
28.5 km |
11 |
Alberto Cantador |
13'40" |
23'28" |
33'24" |
68 |
Riccardo Ricco |
14'35" |
24'54" |
35'17" |
28 |
Marzio Bruseghin |
14'13" |
24'09" |
34'18" |
27 |
Franco Pellizotti |
14'08" |
24'04" |
34'15" |
71 |
Emanuele Sella |
|
24'54" |
35'20" |
25 |
Denis Menchov |
13'56" |
24'04" |
34'14" |
Alberto Contador crossed the finish line arms raised in victory. In the end Riccardo Ricco couldn't back up his words and folded like a "three dollar suit".
Giro d'Italia winner Alberto Contador ( Images © La Gazetta )
The bells are tolling and the Fat Lady is singing for the 2008 Giro d'Italia Champion Alberto Contador!!!
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