Di Luca Takes Stage 12, Reclaims Pink!

24 May - The jersey changes rider but remains in the Liquigas family. Today Danilo Di Luca stormed to a spectacular win in Briançon and retakes the Giro d’Italia's overall ranking, taking the pink jersey from teammate Andrea Noè. The Killer perfectly controlled stage 12, an epic 163 km from Scalenghe to Briançon.

Di Luca made numerous accelerations to measure himself against his chief rivals; namely, Cunego and Simoni. Attacking on the Col d'Izoard, Di Luca was first across the summit GPM and put in a fierce descent to try and break the lead group apart.

At the base of the final steep ascent into a beautiful finish in Briançon, Di Luca again attacked. Only Simoni and Andy Schleck were able to stay near the Abruzzese. His final kick proved too much, and Di Luca takes his third stage of this Giro (including the stage one team time trial).

"Everything went well today," comments Di Luca. "I am satisfied with the way I managed the breakaway. Attacking on the Izoard, I was able to be in front for the descent towards Briançon. Tomorrow I will try to extend my lead before the third week."

"Danilo's condition has improved since the Northern Classics," explains team manager Stefano Zanatta. "Don't forget that Di Luca can count on his experience in the last editions of the Giro d’Italia."