Petacchi's good form continues

Petacchi's sprint finish stopped his German rival claiming a third consecutive stage victory.

Overall leader Isidro Nozal finished in the pack to protect his position.

But Dario Frigo and Aitor Gonzalez, fourth and fifth prior to the stage, lost more than a minute.

Petacchi has now claimed three stages in the tour - he won six in this year's Giro d'Italia and four on the Tour de France.

Stage 12 result:

1. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) 3 hours 41 minutes 49 secs
2. Erik Zabel (Ger)
3. Fred Rodriguez (USA)
4. Alessandro Bertolini (Ita)
5. Raphael Schweda (Ger)
6. Angel Vicioso (Spa)
7. Francisco Mancebo (Spa)
8. Michael Barry (Can)
9. Michael Rasmussen (Den)

Overall standings:

1. Isidro Nozal (Spa) ONCE 40 hours 54 minutes 29 secs
2. Igor Gonzalez de Geldeano ONCE (Spa) at 1:48
3. Manuel Beltran (Spa) US Postal at 3:03
4. Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor at 3:28
5. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) Ibanesto.com at 3:40
6. Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank at 4:04
7. Dario Frigo (Ita) Fassa Bortolo at 4:14
8. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Kelme at 5:06
9. Aitor Gonzalez (Spa) Fassa Bortolo at 5:09