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Gilberto Simoni conquers Giro d'Italia's mountains

Italy's Gilberto Simoni, left, celebrates after winning the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race as his teammate Leonardo Piepoli celebrates second place in Monte Zoncolan on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

Former two-time winner Gilberto Simoni, of Saunier Duval, proved himself the equal again to the mountain rated the toughest in Europe as he won the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia held over 142km from Linz in Austria to Monte Zoncolan on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old crossed the line ahead of team-mate Leonardo Piepoli to repeat his success of 2003, when the riders had come up the other side of the mountain.

His compatriot Danilo Di Luca retained the race leader's pink jersey with four days remaining of the race.

"I haven't won in two years," gasped Simoni, who won the overall title in 2001 and 2003. "To have won here on Monte Zoncolan means an enormous amount to me, more than being on the podium.

"I did come here hoping to win the overall title but Di Luca is very strong. It was important to win a stage, more so that it was Monte Zoncolan which is the most beautiful," he said.

Di Luca admitted it had been a tortuous stage.

"This climb seemed to be interminable," said the 31-year-old. "I knew it would be but this mountain really is impressive, terrible. However I think I defended my lead well, and I think I raced well."

Both Simoni and Piepoli, who had won a mountain stage on May 22 and like Simoni also 35, both raised their arms in celebration on crossing the line of the 1,730m climb.

"Piepoli was extraordinary. He promised to do anything for me and he delivered," Simoni said.

Luxembourg's Frank Schleck had raced alongside the two Italians for most of the toughest climbs and took third place in the stage and second overall, 2 minutes 24 seconds adrift of Di Luca as Eddy Mazzoleni, who had begun the day in second place, came in 13th 2:26 off the pace.

Di Luca, who had been left trailing 7km from the summit after Simoni accelerated, managed to fight back in the final stages to limit the damage to 31sec.

However Di Luca said that overall victory for himself was far from assured.

"The race will be decided in Saturday's time-trial and I have a good lead over Schleck, who is my most dangerous rival. I am certain that I will have to fight to the end," he said.

Yesterday's 18th stage is a 203km ride from Udine to Riese Pie X.
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