Giro d'Italia Stage 21 - Finale
The Giro ended rather predictably on Sunday on the streets of Milano. Alberto Contador became the first non-Italian in 12 years to win the Giro, and he did so in fine style, beating all his nearest rivals by a comfortable margin. Italian Riccardo Riccò, only 4 seconds behind at the start of the day's racing, never stood a chance. He was behind from the very first check-point. Closer was the battle for 3rd between Marzio Bruseghin and Franco Pellizotti. On the day, Pellizotti was the faster man, but Bruseghin did just enough, hanging on to his 3rd place by a mere 2 seconds. 
Contador is a worthy champion, and it is disgraceful that his Astana Team have not been invited to the Tour de France so he can defend his '07 title. The team have been completely overhauled since their infamous exit from last year's tour. About the only thing remaining is the name, and for the ASO to use that against new figurehead Johan Bruneel, and riders like Alberto Contador, the United States' Levi Leipheimer and Germany’s Andreas Klöden is an absolute tragedy. All three riders are podium contenders, and excluding them takes a lot of the interest away from this year's race.
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