Russian Menchov clinches Giro in Rome drama

By Paul Virgo

ROME (Reuters) - Russia's Denis Menchov survived a fall on a rain-hit final stage to win the Giro d'Italia in dramatic fashion in Rome on Sunday.

The Rabobank rider looked certain for victory in the world's second biggest stage race with a 20-second lead before Sunday's 14.4km time-trial, which was better suited to him than nearest rival Italian Danilo Di Luca.

But the home fans were given hope of a shock win when it started to rain while both riders were out, making the going hazardous on Rome's slippery cobblestones.

Menchov, 31, tumbled on a straight stretch in the last kilometre, but kept his cool and crossed the finish line near the Coliseum with the 10th best time, faster than LPR's 2007 winner Di Luca.

He took the Giro with a 41-second margin of victory to add the title to his honours list after winning the Tour of Spain in 2007 and 2005.

"At first you are afraid, but I managed to stay cool because I knew I had a 30-second lead over Di Luca (at the time of the fall), " Menchov told Rai television.

The stage was won by Cervelo's Lithuanian Ignatas Konovalovas, who set his time of 18:42 before a light downpour forced riders to slow down, although conditions dried out only for more rain to create mischief at the end.

Italy's Franco Pellizotti of Liquigas came third overall, 1:59 behind Menchov, while Spain's Carlos Sastre, the 2008 Tour de France champion, was fourth after winning two stages late in the race.