Menchov takes Giro lead with superb time-trial win

Russia's Denis Menchov blew away the field in yesterday's individual time-trial to take the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia and wrestle the leader's pink jersey from Italian Danilo Di Luca.

Rabobank rider Menchov, twice Tour of Spain winner, completed a gruelling 60.6-km up-and-down course in the Cinque Terre region on Italy's north-east coast in one hour 34 minutes and 29 seconds.

LPR's Di Luca, who had worn the pink jersey for seven stages, came in 1:54 behind in sixth place.

The 2007 winner, who is not a time - trial specialist, was not disappointed as he limited the damage in the overall standings to 34 seconds after what was widely considered a crucial stage.

Astana's Levi Leipheimer of the US came in 20 seconds behind the Russian to move up to third overall, six seconds adrift of Di Luca.

Italy's Franco Pellizotti went up to fourth with a fifth-placed finish yesterday and continues to outshine his Liquigas team-mate Ivan Basso, who was 11th.

Today's 13th stage is a relatively light 176-km Tuscan course from Lido di Camaiore to Florence which could lead to another duel between Italian sprinter Alessandro Petacchi and his British rival Mark Cavendish.