Italians set sights on second

A duel between Michele Scarponi and Vincenzo Nibali will take on extra meaning at the Giro as the pair battle for what could be overall victory.

AN imminent duel between Michele Scarponi and Vincenzo Nibali will take on special significance over the remaining five stages on the Giro d'Italia as the pair battle for what could turn out to be overall triumph in the race.

On Tuesday, Spaniard Alberto Contador tightened his grip on the race's fabled pink jersey with an impressive victory in the 16th-stage mountain time trial held over 12.7km between Belluno and Nevegal.

Contador's second-stage win in the race took his lead over second-placed Scarponi to two seconds short of five minutes, with fellow Italian Nibali in third place at 5:45.

With only two, fairly manageable mountain days left -- on stages 19 and 20 -- the Spanish climbing specialist looks to be well on his way to a second Giro d'Italia triumph after his maiden victory in 2008.

That likelihood, and indeed Contador's future, could however hinge on whether the Court of Arbitration for Sport decides to sanction him with a lengthy ban.

The Spaniard tested positive for clenbuterol following his third overall victory in last year's Tour de France, but was cleared by Spanish authorities after he claimed to have eaten a steak contaminated by the banned substance.

The International Cycling Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency both appealed against the Spanish decision which has allowed Contador to race, winning the Tour of Murcia and Tour of Catalunya in the process.

However, the CAS will have the final word.

The Lausanne-based body announced recently it expected to make a decision regarding Contador before the end of next month. If he is banned, the victories he has pocketed since, and including last year's Tour de France, will go to whoever finished runner-up.

Scarponi and Nibali have been quick to applaud Contador's superiority, however the Italians know the race for second place could yield a special reward.

AFP