Ivan Basso was second in today's 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia to put him at the top of the overall standings.
Basso (Liquigas) was part of a group of three Italians, headed by Michele Scarponi (Androni Giocattoli) and also including Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas), which finished the mountainous 195km stage from Brescia to Aprica three minutes and five seconds ahead of the field.
The result allowed Basso to open up 51-second lead over previous leader David Arroyo (Caisse d'Epargne), who nevertheless battled impressively fight to finish seventh, 3:06 back on the leaders, as he fought in vain to keep hold of the maglia rosa.
With another mountain stage tomorrow, between Bormio and Passo del Tonale, and only one more to follow after that, Basso will be strong favourite to take the title.
