Danilo Di Luca managed to gain 13 seconds on Denis Menchov on the climb of Blockhaus during stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia, and promised he would fight all the way to the final time trial in Rome to try and snatch the maglia rosa from the Russian.
“I tried everything today but I’m happy because Menchov cracked a bit near the end and that makes me hopeful for Vesuvio,” he said after thanking the thousands of local fans who packed the climb with a bow and a wave as he pulled on the ciclamino points jersey.
“It’s a shorter climb but it’s steeper. I’m going to keep trying to win the Giro right to the end. There’s only one climb left, so I need Menchov to fade. Today it was just 200 metres from the finish but it all helps.”
“The time bonuses could be important and so I’ll try for them on Friday (to the summit finish on Mount Vesuvius) but also on Saturday in Anagni. I’ve always said that I need 30 seconds advantage going into the final time trial, so I still need to gain a minute on Menchov.”
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Giro d'Italia 2009 links
Stage reports
Stage 17: Pellizotti wins on Blockhaus, Menchov remains in pink
Giro rest day review (May 26)
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Stage 16: Sastre wins stage to Monte Petrano
Stage 15: Bertagnolli gifted stage win by Cervelo mix-up
Stage 14: Gerrans solos to win
Stage 13: Cavendish takes his third Giro win and prepares to head home
Stage 12: Menchov storms to Giro TT win and race lead
Stage 11: Cavendish romps to second Giro stage win
Stage 10: Di Luca lays down the gauntlet
Giro rest day review (May 18)
Stage nine: Cavendish blitzes rivals to win in Milan
Stage eight: Siutsou makes it two in a row for Columbia-Highroad
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Knowing the course in a virtual race is maybe even more important than in road racing': Former e-sports World Champion's top tips
