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Denis -The Menace
Powering through the streets of rainsoaked Rome, 2009 Tour of Italy leader Denis Menchov has less than half a mile to ride before he is finally crowned the definitive winner. But then –suddenly, unexpectedly– disaster strikes. How can the Russian recover in time? Or, will he lose at the last possible moment? A magnificent saga of high drama, courage and low cunning, the Tour of Italy 2009 is a three-week two-wheeled battle for victory-and one which truly goes down to the wire. Denis Menchov the tactiturn Russian hero has to face a sometimes unholy alliance of Italian riders, from the fiery 2007 Giro champion Danilo Di Luca to the impulsive, ultra-aggressive Franco Pellizotti to the melancholy, introverted Ivan Basso. All these local stars are determined to topple the Russian giant –by almost any means. As Rome’s dramatic finale looms larger and larger on the horizon, Menchov’s lead drops from minutes to a bare handful of seconds. But that’s not all. The Giro also features the comeback of seven times Tour winner Lance Armstrong, the desperate bid for power by his team-mate Levi Leipheimer and the epic sprint victories by Mark Cavendish –just 24 but already cycling’s hottest property. With backdrops as dramatic and dignified as the soaring Dolomite mountains, the ever-daunting Alps and finishing in the shadow of Rome’s ancient Coliseum, this year’s Tour of Italy was the race’s centenary edition - and it lived up to every expectation. Don’t miss it. Commentary by Phil Liggett & Paul Sherwen.

“If you’ve never seen the Tour of Italy, then this is the year to take the plunge. In typical Italian style, the 100th Giro d’Italia will be celebrated with one of the most spectacular routes ever devised for any bike race. By visiting all of the original stage towns; Venice, Trieste, Bergamo, Milan, Turin, Florence, Bologna, Naples and Rome, this is not only an epic course but it also doubles as every tourist’s must-see itinerary for the country.” --Cycle Sport Magazine