 Basso pulled clear of the field with 4km left in the stage |
Ivan Basso won Saturday's 20th stage of the Giro d'Italia to virtually secure overall victory one day before the race ends in Milan. The Italian celebrated the birth of his second child, who was born on Friday, with his third stage victory in this year's race.
He raised a photo of his son Santiago, as he crossed the finish line.
Basso holds a lead of nine minutes and 18 seconds over his nearest challenger Jose Gutierrez Cataluna.
He covered the 211km route from Trento to Aprica, over the famed Gavia and Mortirolo passes, in six hours, 51 minutes and 15 seconds with only a short and flat stage remaining for Sunday.
Stage 20 results:
1. Ivan Basso (Italy/Team CSC) 7:51:15"
2. Gilberto Simoni (Italy/Saunier Duval) +1:17
3. Damiano Cunego (Italy/Lampre) +2:51
4. Jose Gutierrez Cataluna (Spain/Phonak) same time
5. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy/Discover Channel) +6:03
6. Leonardo Piepoli (Italy/Saunier Duval) same time
7. Sandy Casar (France/Francaise Des Jeux) +7:26
8. Juan Manuel Garate (Spain/Quick Step) same time
9. Victor Hugo Pena Grisales (Colombia/Phonak) same time
10. Giampaolo Caruso (Italy/Liberty Seguros) same time
Overall standings:
1. Ivan Basso (Italy/Team CSC) 87:37:33"
2. Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Spain/Phonak) +9:18"
3. Gilberto Simoni (Italy/Saunier Duval) +11:59"
4. Damiano Cunego (Italy/Lampre) +18:16"
5. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy/Discovery Channel) +19:22"
6. Sandy Casar (France/Francaise des Jeux) +23:53"
7. Juan Manuel Garate (Spain/Quick-Step) +24:26"
8. Franco Pellizotti (Italy/Liquigas) +25:57"
9. Victor Hugo Pena (Colombia/Phonak) +26:27"
10. Francisco Javier Vila (Spain/Lampre) +27:34"
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 