Franco Pellizotti won the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia

Spain's Alberto Contador has retained the leader's pink jersey after finishing fourth in the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

The stage, a 12.9km time trial, was won by Italian rider Franco Pellizotti.

Specialist Italian climber Emanuele Sella finished second on the stage just ahead of a fine performance from former two-time Giro winner Gilberto Simoni.

Contador extended his lead as second-placed Riccardo Ricco was fifth, eight seconds behind Contador.

Stage 16 results:

1. Franco Pellizotti (ITA/LIQ) 40min 26sec
2. Emanuele Sella (ITA/CSF) at 0:06s
3. Gilberto Simoni (ITA/SDA) 0:17
4. Alberto Contador (ESP/AST) 0:22
5. Riccardo Ricco (ITA/SDV) 0:30
6. Jose Rujano (VEN/GCE) 0:49
7. Marzio Bruseghin (ITA/LAM) 1:04
8. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/CSF) 1:43
9. Danilo Di Luca (ITA/LPR) 1:45
10. Denis Menchov (RUS/RAB) 1:49

Overall standings:

1. Alberto Contador, Spain, 68 hours, 47 mins, 31secs.
2. Riccardo Ricco, Italy, +41
3. Gilberto Simoni, Italy, 1:21
4. Marzio Bruseghin, Italy, 2:00
5. Franco Pellizotti, Italy, 2:05
6. Danilo Di Luca, Italy, 2:18
7. Denis Menchov, Russia, 2:47
8. Emanuele Sella, Italy, 4:25
9. Jurgen van den Broeck, Belgium, 4:26
10. Domenico Pozzovivo, Italy, 5:25