Cycling: All Uphill for Basso's Giro Rivals

Ivan Basso arrived alone on top of Monte Bondone yesterday to win the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia and increase his overall lead. The Team CSC rider left his rivals behind as the road climbed to the finish line and Gilberto Simoni was more than a minute behind him in second place.

Spain's José Gutiérrez Cataluña retained second place overall despite coming in fourth but slipped more than five minutes behind the leader. Basso completed the 107-mile stage from Rovato to Monte Bondone in 4hr 51min 30sec. He had launched his attack on the toughest uphill section for his second stage win in this year's Giro and his fourth overall. The Italian cyclist, second in last year's Tour de France, is seeking his first Giro title. "A win in the pink [leader's] jersey is a great emotion," he said. "Today's victory has certainly improved my self-confidence."