Cycling: Menchov masters time trial to take pink jersey

Russia's Denis Menchov blew away the field in yesterday's individual time trial to take the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia and wrest the leader's pink jersey from the Italian Danilo di Luca.

Rabobank rider Menchov, twice a Tour of Spain winner, completed a gruelling 60.6km (38 miles) up-and-down course from Sestri Levante to Riomaggiore on Italy's north-east coast in one hour, 34 minutes and 29 seconds. Di Luca, who had worn the pink jersey for seven stages, came in 1 minute 54 seconds behind in sixth place.

The 2007 winner limited the damage in the overall standings to 34 seconds, even though he is not a time-trial specialist.