Basso celebrated the birth of his second child with a fine victory

The 28-year-old from Varese won three of the 21 stages and is now favourite to win the Tour de France, while his CSC team also won the team trial stage.

Spain's Jose Gutierrez of the Phonak team finished second, nine minutes and 18 seconds behind Basso, with Italian Gilberto Simoni third at 11:59.

Germany's Robert Forster won a bunch sprint to seal the 140km flat stage.

Argentina's Maximiliano Richeze, German Olaf Pollack and Italian Paolo Bettini trailed Forster, though Bettini, the reigning Olympic champion, did earn the jersey for the points classification for the race's most consistent sprinter.

Basso, meanwhile, is the 11th consecutive home rider to win the crown, but would be one of only 12 cyclists ever to double up if he can win the Tour, which starts on 1 July.

He finished second in the 2005 Tour behind Lance Armstrong and feels he can go one better this year.

I've had to work hard to improve in time trials and learn how to become a team leader Ivan Basso

"I know I'll have to be as good or even better than I was at the Giro if I want to win the Tour de France but I really believe I can do well in both races," he said.

"I've used valuable energy to win the Giro but I'll give my all just as always. That's the way I am.

"I've suffered a lot to get to where I am. I don't consider myself a natural champion like some riders.

"I've had to work hard to improve in time trials and learn how to become a team leader. Only I know the pain I've been through and the sacrifices I've made."

Stage 21 results:

1. Robert Forster (Germany / Gerolsteiner) 3:56:03"
2. Maximiliano Richeze (Argentina / Panaria) same time
3. Olaf Pollack (Germany / T-Mobile)
4. Paolo Bettini (Italy / Quick-Step)
5. Leonardo Duque (Colombia / Cofidis)
6. Elia Rigotto (Italy / Milram)
7. Yuri Krivtsov (Ukraine / AG2R)
8. Sven Krauss (Germany / Gerolsteiner)
9. Renaud Dion (France / AG2R)
10. Koen de Kort (Netherlands / Liberty Seguros)

Overall standings: