TEAM KATUSHA’S Joaquim Rodriguez has reclaimed the lead in the Giro d’Italia despite narrowly losing out in today’s 15th stage.
Matteo Rabottini, riding for Farnese Vini-Selle Italia, clinched a gutsy stage victory after crashing on the final descent of the 169-km stage from Busto Arsizio to Lecco and Pian dei Resinelli.
The Italian had led for more than 150km of the stage before his fall and was quickly back on his bike, enabling him to pass overall leader Rodriguez on the final curve of the hilltop finish.
Rodriguez (Katusha) regained the pink leader’s jersey from Canadian Ryder Hesjedal and now holds a 30-second advantage. Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) had led Rodriguez by nine seconds after finishing fourth in Saturday’s 14th stage.
Riders have a rest day on Monday after two days in the heavy mountains before Tuesday’s 16th stage, a hilly 173-km leg from Limone sul Garda to Falzes and Pfalzen
