Basso reaches peak in the mountains

HOME favourite Ivan Basso closed in on his second Giro d'Italia title as Swiss rider Johann Tschopp took victory in yesterday's penultimate 20th stage.

Basso (Liquigas) finished third on the mountainous 178-kilometre stage from Bormio to Passa del Tonale to extend his lead in the general classification to one minute 15 seconds over Spain's David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne).

Tschopp crossed the line 16 seconds ahead of Australia's Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team). Basso, who won the Giro in 2006, was eight seconds further back.

Tschopp was the first rider over the Passo di Gavia – the race's highest summit – and then pulled away from Gilberto Simoni (Lampre) on the descent 25km out to build up an unassailable lead.

Evans attacked 3km from home to cement second place but he was unable to reel in his Swiss rival.

Italy's Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) finished in fourth with Arroyo fifth and another Italian, Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo) sixth.

Britain's Chris Froome (Sky) was an absentee at the start following his disqualification overnight. Froome was thrown out and fined 200 Swiss francs after being spotted holding onto a motorbike during Friday's stage.

Basso took his chance to claim the pink leader's jersey on Friday on the menacing Mortirolo mountain.

Italy's Michele Scarponi triumphed on the day but Basso and team mate Vincenzo Nibali were only just behind having boldly attacked on the Mortirolo, 40 kilometres from home and with another peak in the way.

The Giro ends today with a 15.3km time trial in the northern Italian city of Verona.