Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) won the 2012 Giro d'Italia on Sunday, coming in ahead of Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) by enough time to take the Maglia Rosa from the Spanish rider. Marco Pinotti of Team BMC was the winner of the stage 21 time trial.
Hesjedal started the day 31 seconds behind race leader Rodriguez, and by the first time check it was clear that lead wasn't going to hold. By the intermediate point Rodriguez had already lost 29 of the 31 seconds he had to lose, and though he finished strong he was unable to keep his grip on the lead. Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil), who put in a massive effort in stage 20's climb up the Stelvio to the surprise of many, had a great run in stage 21's time trial and stole the third podium spot out from under defending champ Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD). Scarponi only had 11 seconds on De Gendt as the stage started, and De Gendt's run bested the Italian by more than 40.
Santa Rosa based Team BMC had a good final day in the Giro, bookending Taylor Phinney's stage one time trial win with a win by Italian TT champ Marco Pinotti. Taylor Phinney ran into some trouble trying to get around the motorbikes, knocking him down the standings in what should have been one of his strongest stages. BMC didn't make much of an impact in the overall, but winning the opening and closing stages of the race is better than many teams can claim. Geraint Thomas (Sky) was second in stage 21, and Jesse Sergeant of Team RadioShack-Nissan took third.
The final GC standings of the 2012 Giro d'Italia:
1) Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Barracuda 91:39:02
2) Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver (Spa) Katusha Team -:16
3) Thomas De Gendt (Bel) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team -1:39
4) Michele Scarponi (Ita) Lampre - ISD -2:05
5) Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale -3:44
6) Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD -4:40
7) Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling -5:57
8) Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) Colnago - CSF Inox -6:28
Stay tuned to this storystream for updates and a full recap from the 2012 Giro d'Italia. As always, SB Nation's cycling blog Podium Cafe is your full time source for cycling news and analysis.
