Basso edges close to race lead in Giro del Trentino

Ivan Basso (Liquigas) made amends for yesterday's disappointing opening time trial performance in the Giro del Trentino by attacking in the final kilometres of today's tough road stage.

Although Basso's move shaped the racing in the second stage of the event, it was little known Polish rider Przemyslaw Niemiec (Miche) who took the win in Alpe di Pampeago after 141km of action.

Basso's second place behind Niemiec saw him move up into second overall in the general classification, just two seconds behind race leader Janez Brajkovic (Astana). It proves that Basso's preparations for next month's Giro d'Italia are now firmly on track.

Yesterday's TT winner and race leader Andreas Kloden (Astana) finished 11th today, losing one minute 36 seconds to Niemiec.

Britain's Geraint Thomas (Barloworld) - making his comeback to racing after breaking his pelvis in March - completed today's stage in 145th spot, and slips to 145th in the overall standings with two stages remaining.

RELATED LINKS

Thomas back in the bunch at Trentino

Kloden storms to opening Trentino TT win