MENCHOV MOVES INTO SECOND PLACE AT GIRO D’ITALIA

Rabobank team leader climbs up the GC as critical time trial looms


The tougher this Giro d’Italia gets, the better it seems for Rabobank’s Denis Menchov. In the first week, the Russian all-rounder already claimed Rabobank’s first ever stage win at the Giro when he won Stage 5 at the Alpe di Siusi summit finish. And now, thanks to another great ride in Tuesday’s mammoth, six-and-a-half hour trek through the Alps, Menchov has moved up into second place overall.

Menchov was in the thick of the action all day Tuesday as riders faced the daunting ascents of the Moncenisio and Sestriere. Then, on the final Pra Martino climb, Menchov’s orange-clad figure could once again be seen riding his Giant TCR Advanced SL team bike alongside all the other top favorites.

The Russian finished a solid third on the stage, which was by far the hardest yet in this year’s Giro. His strong, steady performance through the Alps of western Italy has enabled Menchov to move into second place overall, 1 minute and 20 seconds down on Italian Danilo Di Luca.

With the crucial 60.6-kilometer time trial just two days away, Menchov is now in the ideal position to strike for the race leader’s pink jersey.

“I think I’m in a good position,” Menchov said. “I’ve come through a very hard first week very well and I want to see how it goes from here. I’ve checked out the time trial route already, and it could suit me. It’ll certainly be crucial for the outcome of the Tour of Italy.”

In other Rabobank news, injured rider Pedro Horrillo continues to make a slow but steady recovery. Doctors are optimistic that Horrillo should be able to return to Spain within the next two weeks, where he’ll continue to receive treatment for the multiple injuries he suffered in his crash during Stage 8.

Giant once again wishes Horrillo all the best