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Sastre wins tough Tour of Italy stage ahead of Menchov

Spain’s Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre came home alone after Monday’s gruelling 16th stage of the Tour of Italy that left Russian Denis Menchov retaining the leader’s pink jersey.

After seven hours tackling the 237km Appenines trek from Pergola to Monte Petrano, Cervelo team rider Sastre crossed the finish line 25 seconds up on Menchov to record his first ever win in the race.

Menchov grabbed second spot after outsprinting Italian duo Danilo Di Luca and Ivan Basso.

Lance Armstrong conceded that the boiling hot conditions had cost his race team leader Levi Leipheimer dearly.

Despite help from his teammate, Leipheimer finished almost three minutes behind Sastre to drop from third to sixth in the overall standings.

“It is perhaps one of the most difficult stages I have ever experienced,” Armstrong said.

“That was because of the climbs and the oppressive heat. Levi had a difficult day but we tried to limit the damage. When it is as hot as that there are always surprises,” he said.

Australian contender Michael Rogers, who is seventh overall, said he had never experienced such torture before.

“I have just spent the toughest day and the hottest day I have ever experienced in the saddle,” Rogers said.

“I agree with Levi Leipheimer. The stage of Plateau de Beille in the 2004 Tour de France was tough but this one today [Monday] takes the gold medal,” he said.

With five days racing to go Menchov continues to lead the standings by 39 seconds from Di Luca, with Sastre in third (up two places), 2 minutes 19 seconds adrift.

Yesterday was a rest day.
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