Henderson Prominent Again In Giro

Greg Henderson continued his impressive form on the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia cycle tour today.

The New Zealand rider produced a desperate dash at the end of the demanding 223km stage from Porto Recanti to Cesenatico to finish second behind Italian Manuel Belletti (Colnago-CSF Inox).

Henderson (Sky), a key sprinter on the team, showed his all-round bike skills to emerge in a 17 strong break that went clear at the 62km mark and remained away in parts until the finish.

American Craig Lewis (Columbia HTC) appeared to grab the winning gap as the remnants of the break fought to the finish before Belletti and Henderson powered past. The Italian, riding into his hometown, took out the emotional win on the stage dedicated to another local in the late Marco Pantani.

It moved Henderson up to eighth on the points standings.

Tomorrow riders face a stern test with the 205km stage from Ferrara to Asolo including the 18km of climbing over Monte Grappa, with one further stage before the rest day that leads into the final week of the Tour.