SPAIN’S Alberto Contador secured his second Giro d’Italia triumph after finishing third on stage 21, an individual time trial won by Britain’s David Millar.
Wearing only pink, Contador (Saxo Bank) completed the 26 kilometre course around sunny Milan 36 seconds down on Garmin-Cervelo’s Millar, who set a strong time of 30 minutes 13 seconds over a flat but technical route.
Italy’s Michele Scarponi (Lampre) protected his second place on the podium despite finishing 10 seconds slower than compatriot Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) in the decisive time trial.
Scarponi completed the three week race 6:10 slower than winner Contador, with Nibali taking third place at 6:56.
Frenchman John Gadret (AG2R-La Mondiale), an unfancied time trial rider, limited his losses to secure a fourth place in the overall standings, 10:17 down on the maglia rosa, while Spain’s Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) completed the top five, 11:05 down.
Riding the course almost two hours earlier than the top GC contenders, 34-year-old Millar put on a stellar display of time trialling, looking comfortable and assured throughout his ride.
Millar held the best time at the first intermediate check after 8.9km until Contador, riding last as race leader, topped his effort by a slender one second. The Scot had a small slump over the second third of the course, coming over the 18.1km check six seconds down on Dane Alex Rasmussen (HTC-Highroad).