Menchov clinches Giro in Rome drama

Russia's Denis Menchov survived a fall on a rain-hit final stage to win the Giro d'Italia in dramatic fashion in Rome yesterday.

The Rabobank rider looked certain for victory in the world's second biggest stage race with a 20-second lead before a 14.4km time-trial, which was better suited to him than nearest rival Italian Danilo Di Luca.

But the home fans were given hope of a shock win when it started to rain while both riders were out, making the going hazardous on Rome's slippery cobblestones.

Menchov, 31, tumbled on a straight stretch in the last kilometre, but kept his cool and crossed the finish line near the Coliseum with the 10th best time, faster than LPR's 2007 winner Di Luca.

He took the Giro with a 41-second margin of victory to add the title to his honours list after winning the Tour of Spain in 2007 and 2005.

The stage was won by Cervelo's Lithuanian Ignatas Konovalovas, who set his time of 18:42 before a light downpour forced riders to slow down, although conditions had dried out only for more rain to create mischief at the end.

Italy's Franco Pellizotti came third overall while Spain's Carlos Sastre was fourth after winning two stages late in the competition. Lance Armstrong finished a creditable 12th.