Basso finds redemption as he takes second Giro title

Italian Ivan Basso claimed his second Giro d'Italia title as Swede Gustav Erik Larsson won the 21st and final stage of this year's race, a 15km time-trial around Verona.

Surprise package Spaniard David Arroyo comfortably held on to second place in the overall standings while Basso's Liquigas team-mate Vincenzo Nibali edged out Italian compatriot Michele Scarponi for the final place on the podium.

But the day belonged to Basso who came home 15th fastest but still earned his second win in his home Giro following his success in 2006.The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Basso who was banned for two years in 2006 for his involvement in the Operation Puerto scandal.

He finished 1min 51sec ahead of Arroyo who had so thrilled fans with his valiant attempts to hold on to the leader's pink jersey in the mountains.

Following the last two gruelling days in the mountains it was little surprise that the top riders were not involved in the battle for the stage victory. Saxo Bank's Larsson posted the fastest time of 20min 19sec on the course, just two seconds quicker than Italian time-trial champion Marco Pinotti, who had led by 12sec at the one and only time check.

Veteran Kazakh Alexander Vinokourov - another to have served a doping ban - put in a good effort to finish third on the day, 17sec down, to leapfrog Australia's Richie Porte and take sixth place overall from the winner of the Young Rider's competition.

Fifth place went to Australian world road race champion Cadel Evans.