VAL DI FASSA, Italy (AP) — Alberto Contador extended his already commanding lead while fellow Spaniard Mikel Nieve Ituralde won the grueling 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday.
A member of an early breakaway, Nieve clocked 7 hours, 27 minutes, 14 seconds over the five major climbs lining the 142-mile route from Conegliano to Gardeccia Val di Fassa.
Stefano Garzelli, who won the Giro 11 years ago, crossed second, 1 minute, 41 seconds behind, and Contador was third, 1:51 back.
Contador now leads Michele Scarponi by 4:20 in the overall standings, with Vincenzo Nibali 5:11 behind.
After the final rest day Monday, stage 16 on Tuesday is a 7.9-mile mountain time trial.
The race ends next weekend in Milan.
