LL's solid Giro TT moves him into serious bid for overall

Levi had to gain slightly more than 1:40 today from race leader Danilo DiLuca today to take the leader’s jersey. Many of the experts predicted the possibility, and he almost did, only problem was that highly placed Denis Menchov was also on a great day (Rabobank).

Levi took second on the stage and, equally as important, established that he is the clear leader of team Astana and now sits 34 seconds back in the overall.

With their standard SRAM REd-equipped Trek Madone road machines and aero clip-on bars, Lance, Brajkovic, and Levi took what seemed to be the perfect approach to the twisty course with narrow roads and two big climbs. DiLuca (LPR), however, seemed to have conceded the stage and his leaders jersey with no aero equipment, with the sole exception of his pink shoe covers.

Jani Brajkovic (Astana — SRAM RED) set an early best time and slotted in ahead of many of the TT specialists. Soonafter Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) bested him by 11 seconds and after that everyone was forced to wait for the other potential leaders to finish, including DiLuca, Menchov, and Leipheimer.

Lance Armstrong (Astana — SRAM RED) finished strong and placed 13th. The Texan looks to be racing lighter and his form improving, he’s obviously aiming at the Tour de France and riding in complete support of Leipheimer. Certainly his hope was to finish higher up in today’s TT but likely his main goal was to set time checks for his team leader Leipheimer. It was his first Grand Tour time trial since returning and 60.6 kilometers is a long stretch.

Unlike Menchov, Leipheimer has an incredible team surrounding him and will utlize those lieutenants fully to battle for the Giro overall.

Stage 12 - Thursday, May 21: Sestri Levante - Riomaggiore (ITT), 60.6km
Results
1 Denis Menchov Rabobank 1.34.29
2 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana - SRAM RED 0.20
3 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Acqua & Sapone 1.03
4 Janez Brajkovic (Slo) Astana - SRAM RED 1.14

General classification after stage 12
1 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 50.27.17
2 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes 0.34
3 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana - SRAM RED 0.40
4 Franco Pellizotti (Ita) Liquigas 2.00
5 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 2.52