Gil claims Giro's seventh stage, Di Luca back in pink

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2005

PISTOIA, Italy (AFP) — Spaniard Koldo Gil won the seventh stage of the Tour of Italy here after a courageous breakaway which ultimately left Pro Tour series leader Danilo Di Luca back in the pink jersey.

Gil, of the Liberty team, came over the finish line of the 211km stage alone in just over 5hr 8min after a long breakaway which had formed in the early stages.

Damiano Cunego, of Lampre, won a sprint finish from the chasing bunch to claim second at 20sec just ahead of Liquigas rider Di Luca, the series leader who took back the race leader's pink jersey from Paolo Bettini after the Quick Step rider failed to follow the pace on the tough Sammomme climb.

Cunego's sprint to the finish line sent out a signal to his teammate and former two-time winner Gilberto...