David Millar (Gamin-Cervelo) won the 26 kilometer Stage 21 Individual Time Trial in Milan in a time of 30:13, 7 seconds ahead of second place finisher, Danish rider, Alex Rasmussen (HTC-Highroad).

But Millar's strong finish to the three-week event was markedly overshadowed by the accomplishments of the man who would roll in to to take third on the day, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard).

The now 6-time grand tour winner (Tour de France - 2007, 2009, 2010; Giro d'Italia - 2008, 2011; Vuelta a Espana - 2008) was quite simply the most dominant rider in the field during the 94th Giro d'Italia. In 13 of the 21 stages, including the race's opening day Team Time Trial, Contador would finish in no worse than 9th placed. He went on to make the day's podium in 8 of those 12 stages (2 - first; 4 - second; 2 - third).

While doping speculations still circulate around the 28-year old Spaniard, with the defense of his Tour de France title set to occur in July and with many of the top General Classification riders too tired at season's end to take on the Vuelta a Espana, Contador, if willing and able, has put himself in line to accomplish something that no rider has done in the history of cycling; win all three grand tours in a single season.

Results - Stage 21
1. David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Cervelo
2. Alex Rasmussen (Den) HTC-Highroad
3. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard

General Classification - Final
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
6. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
7. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
10. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad

Other Notables
22. Peter Stetina (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo
89. Thomas Peterson (USA) Team Garmin-Cervelo
129. Bjorn Selander (USA) Team RadioShack
152. Chad Beyer (USA) BMC Racing Team

Jersey Winners - Final
Maglia Rosa Esta - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank
Maglia Verde Banca Mediolanum - Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
Maglia Bianca Ministero dell'Ambiente - Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
Maglia Rosso Passione Saint Gobain - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
Maglia Tricolore - Liquigas-Cannondale

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

Quiet before the storm; a long day in the saddle is topped off by a pair of epic climbs

Although one stage remains in the 94th edition of the Giro d'Italia, there must have been a few bottles of Peroni killed and some grappa knocked back in celebration after today's final day of climbing.

Two categorized climbs, the Colle delle Finestre (Cat. 1) and the climb up to Sestriere (Cat. 2), marked the 242 kilometer Stage 19 from Verbania to Sestriere, but the peloton would not see either climb until they had traversed 200 kilometers of today's route.

A break of 13 strong attempted to get away early to steal the stage, but it was the climbers who would inevitably have the ultimate say.

Movistar's Vasili Kiryienka proved to be the strongest of the bunch as the Belarussian simply ran away with the stage win. He would best the next two closest competitors, Stage 13 winner, Jose Rujano (Androni Giocattoli) and Katusha's Joaquím Rodríguez by nearly 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, down the road race leader Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) seemed content to watch the other contenders for the final podium places battle it out in front of him. He finished with a small pack, nearly 6 minutes in arrears to Kiryienka, but he would easily retain his overall lead.

Results - Stage 20
1. Vasili Kiryienka (Blr) Movistar Team
2. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
3. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team

General Classification After Stage 20
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
6. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
7. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team
10. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi

Next: Milano to Milano (31.5km, ITT)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

It was not a watch, but the gift Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) gave former Astana teammate, Paolo Tiralongo (Astana), will resonate with the Italian long after his career as a domestique is simply just a cherished memory.

The veteran of 12 cycling seasons, Tiralongo made a late bid for his first career victory on the 209 kilometer Stage 19 from Bergamo to Macugnaga. But with the finishing nearly in his sights, he was caught by his former boss.

The two spoke briefly, and then proceeded to reverse their customary roles as Contador took over the pace making to prevent the strung out pack behind from overtaking them.

Tiralongo would swing out and come around Contador at the line to take the stage, his first ever professional win. A hard charging Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) rounded out the day's podium in third.

Results - Stage 19
1. Paolo Tiralongo (Ita) Pro Team Astana
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale

General Classification After Stage 19
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
6. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
7. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
8. Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
9. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
10. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli

Next: Stage 20 - Verbania to Sestriere (242km)

Photo: AP/Giovanni Auletta

Eros Capecchi (Team Liquigas-Cannondale) outkicked Marco Pinotti (Team HTC-Highroad) and Kevin Seeldraeyers (Quick-Step Cycling Team) to take the 151 kilometer Stage 18 of the 94th Giro d'Italia from Morbegno to San Pellegrino Terme. The stage was marked by a frenetic pace in the first two hours of racing.

“The rhythm in the first hours of the race was incredible,” explained Seeldraeyers. “With about 55 km to go to the arrival the first decisive break-away group took shape with 20 riders, including me and my team mates, Pineau and Cataldo. Along the ascent to Passo del Ganda the lead group was selected and only three of us remained out ahead. Unfortunately the final was not suited to my skills. I tried busting the final sprint but this discipline is definitely not my specialty. Perhaps I could have tried it sooner but honestly, the last part of the route was not in my favor. I’m satisfied anyway, because after a difficult start in the Giro I’ve managed to find my pedaling pace and the motivation to get into the breaks.”

Quick-Step Cycling Team rounded out their good day with a 6th placed finish by Dario Cataldo’s, 2’49’’ behind Capecchi.

“On the climb at Passo del Ganda I couldn’t keep pace with the best, commented Cataldo afterward. "I paid for the change in rhythm and the initial sustained velocity. I chose to take the climb at my own pace without overdoing it. It was a good move to recuperate a few minutes in the classification but there’s also a bit of regret that I couldn’t stay out in front and play for the stage.”

Results - Stage 18
1. Eros Capecchi (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
2. Marco Pinotti (Ita) HTC-Highroad
3. Kevin Seeldraeyers (Bel) Quickstep Cycling Team

General Classification After Stage 18
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
6. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
7. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
10. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team

Next: Stage 19 - Bergamo to Macugnaga (209km)

Diego Ulissi's (Lampre-ISD) first grand tour victory was not exactly picture perfect, but it was a win nonetheless. Part of a massive breakaway that stayed clear for the majority of the stage, Ullisi, the winner of consecutive UCI Junior Road World Championships (in 2006 and 2007) was finally able to break free from the pack to contest a three-up sprint at the end of 230 kilometers of racing.

Countryman Giovanni Visconti (Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli), who was also in search of his first grand tour victory, would edge the 21-year old at the line in Tirano , but Visconti was ultimately relegated to third because of a shove in the final meters.

Pablo Lastras (Movistar) was awarded second.

Results - Stage 17
1. Diego Ulissi (Ita) Lampre - ISD 5:31:51
2. Pablo Lastras Garcia (Spa) Movistar Team
3. Giovanni Visconti (Ita) Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli

Kanstantsin Sivtsov (HTC-Highroad) worked his way back into the top ten of the General Classification, which remains dominated by Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard).

General Classification After Stage 17
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
6. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
7. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
8. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
10. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team

Next: Stage 18 - Morbegno to San Pellegrino Terme (151km)

Photo: AP/Alessandro Trovati

After a rest day on Monday, the 94th Giro d'Italia returned with a 12.7 kilometer uphill Individual Time Trial.

Current maglia rosa wearer, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) would place his demonstrable stamp on this edition of Italy's grand tour by claiming Stage 16 in Nevegal. The five-time grand tour champion was 34 seconds faster than second place Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) on the day, and 38 seconds better than Michele Scarponi (Lampre - ISD), who remains in second on the General Classification.

Results - Stage 16
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
3. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD

General Classification After Stage 16
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
6. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
7. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
8. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
9. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
10. Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi

Next: Stage 17 - Feltre to Tirano (230km)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel-Euskadi) made it a twofer for the orange clad Basque squad with a victory atop the Val di Fassa to claim Stage 15 of the 94th Giro d'Italia.

On a day that featured 229 kilometers of riding and five categorized climbs, including the Cima Coppi, or the highest point of the race, the 27-year old would finish over a minute ahead of Italy's Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) and current race leader, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard).

Results - Stage 15
1. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
2. Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone
3. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard

The General Classification would see a minor shakeup as Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) takes over second place and the previous day's winner, Igor Anton (Euskaltel-Euskadi) drops completely out of the top ten.

General Classification After Stage 15
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
5. Mikel Nieve Ituralde (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
6. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
7. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
8. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
9. Joaquím Rodríguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team
10. David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Movistar Team

Next: Stage 16 - Nevegal (12.7km, ITT)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

The expectations of the Basque climbers of Euskaltel-Euskadi have always been great when the roads kick upward during a grand tour. Unfortunately, on a great many occasions, those expectations have fallen short.

But on Sunday's mountaintop finish atop Monte Zoncolan, Igor Antón Hernández reclaimed some dignity for the Basque Country as he soloed to victory ahead of Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) and Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale).

The win, his fourth in a grand tour (all others coming in the Vuelta a Espana), vaulted the 28-year-old up the General Classification and made him a serious contender for the final podium in Milan.

Results - Stage 14
1. Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale

General Classification After Stage 14
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
3. Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
4. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
5. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
6. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
7. Denis Menchov (Rus) Geox-TMC
8. Hubert Dupont (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
10. David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Movistar Team

Next: Stage 15 - Conegliano to Gardeccia/Val di Fassa (229km)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

At five-foot four-inches tall, Jose Rujano (Androni Giocattoli) is one of more diminutive riders in the professional peloton. But what the Venezuelan lacks in height, he certainly makes up for in climbing prowess.

A disappointment with Pro Tour teams Quick Step (2006) and Caisse d'Epargne (2008), Rujano's victory during Stage 13 of the 94th Giro d'Italia may just have some of his former teams rethinking their decisions.

Rujano, along with Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard), left the pack behind on the day's final climb along the 167km route from Spilimbergo to Grossglockner. The two would cross the finish line well over a minute to the next closest competitor, John Gadret (AG2R La Mondiale), who won Stage 11 two day's prior.

The 29-year old Rujano took the win, while Contador padded his already substantial lead in the General Classification.

Results - Stage 13
1. José Rujano Guillen (Ven) Androni Giocattoli
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale

General Classification After Stage 13
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
3. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
4. David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Movistar Team
5. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
6. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
7. Igor Anton Hernandez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
8. John Gadret (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale
9. Matteo Carrara (Ita) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
10. Hubert Dupont (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale

Next: Stage 14 - Lienz to Monte Zoncolan (210km)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) recorded his second sprint victory at the 94th Giro d'Italia by taking the 184km Stage 12 from Castelfidardo to Ravenna. The 26-year old from the Isle of Man, who won Stage 10 two days prior and was part of the winning formula during the race's opening day Team Time Trial, was once again the beneficiary of some excellent teamwork as he cruised to the finish line.

Sky Procycling's Davide Appollonio and Lampre-ISD's Alessandro Petacchi attempted to contest the finale, but both were simply overpowered and outclassed in their bids.

Results - Stage 12
1. Mark Cavendish (GBr) HTC-Highroad
2. Davide Appollonio (Ita) Sky Procycling
3. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Lampre - ISD

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Sungard) retained his overall race by finishing safely in the pack. With the mountains on the horizon, the Spaniard will once again take center stage as he attempts to claim his sixth grand tour title.

General Classification After Stage 12
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
2. Kanstantsin Sivtsov (Blr) HTC-Highroad
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
4. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra) Team Garmin-Cervelo
5. Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD
6. David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Movistar Team
7. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Pro Team Astana
8. Jose Rodolfo Serpa Perez (Col) Androni Giocattoli
9. Dario Cataldo (Ita) Quickstep Cycling Team
10. Matteo Carrara (Ita) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team

Next: Stage 13 - Spilimbergo to Grossglockner (167km)

Photo: Luk Benies/AFP/Getty Images