Greig Leach

Philippe Gilbert (BMC) timed his attack to perfection. His teammate, Amael Moinard, had attacked the remaining trio from the original breakaway. As the threesome had used a burst of energy to catch the fleeing Frenchman, Gilbert jumped from the back of the group and went off on his own. With about 15 kilometers left to the finish in Verbania it was a long way to go, but the former World Road Racing Champion still had the legs to make it stick. He had the added advantage of having a teammate behind to chase down any effort to bridge across to his wheel. After 14 stages producing 14 different stage winners, Gilbert's win makes the third man to claim a second stage in the 98th Giro d'Italia.