Scarponi survives another day

Liberty Seguros' top man Michele Scarponi survived a crash-filled day at the Giro, and finished in 48th place, in the same time as winner Robbie McEwen. He therefore kept his eighth place on GC, 44 seconds behind leader Paolo Bettini, and is looking forward to Sunday's time trial.

Scarponi's teammate Giampaolo Caruso commented about the danger of the stage: "With four kilometres to go, we almost killed ourselves, there was a lot of danger and the organisation should do something to avoid it, they cannot put these finales in," said Caruso. "For us it was OK and now it is necessary to see how we go tomorrow and in the time trial to analyse the race. At present, Simoni and Cunego look good, but I also see Scarponi is getting better and better. I'm not the only one to say it, the whole peloton is starting to bear him in mind.

"In the first days I was lacking a bit of competition rhythm, but already I feel much better. I expect to be good when the mountains come. My dream is to win a stage," concluded Caruso.