LECCO, Italy (AP) — Matteo Rabottini of Italy won the 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia, holding off Joaquin Rodriguez in a close finish Sunday as the Spaniard took back the overall lead from Ryder Hesjedal of Canada.
On the second hilltop finish of the race, Rabottini finished in in 5 hours, 15 minutes, 30 seconds. He edged Rodriguez on the final curve of the 105-mile leg from Busto Arsizio to Lecco and Pian dei Resinelli.
Rabottini had led for more than 93 miles. He emerged unscathed from a crash on the last descent to claim his second professional victory.
Monday is a rest day after two days in the mountains. Tuesday’s 16th stage is a mainly uphill 108-mile ride from Limone sul Garda to Falzes/Pfalzen.
The Giro ends May 27 in Milan.
