Contador wins 2011 Giro
Alberto Contador claimed his second Giro d'Italia crown on Sunday, after holding off his closest rival by more than six minutes as the 21-stage concluded in Milan.
The Saxo Bank-Sungard rider, who also won the Giro in 2008, had the victory all but sealed before Sunday and carefully negotiated the streets of Milan to ensure there were no late surprises on the final time trial of the three-week race.
Britain's sprint specialist David Millar of Garmin Cervelo won the final 26-kilometres individual time trial in 30 minutes 13 seconds to clinch his first stage in this year's competition.
"I'm delighted," said Millar. "It has taken me thousands of kilometres to get here and I'm very happy with this win."
Contador, who finished third today - 36 seconds behind Millar - was all smiles as he crossed the line at Milan's Piazza Duomo, cheered by thousands of fans.
"It has been an incredible end to the Giro," said Contador, a three-time winner of the Tour de France.
"It is a dream finish with so many people in the square.
"The result has been good and as a cyclist sometimes you have good moments in your career and other times you don't.
"I've had great moments here and I'm very happy."
Contador captured two stage wins and held the leader's pink jersey for 13 days en route to the title.
Some outstanding performances in the mountains meant the Spaniard finished six minutes and 10 seconds ahead of Italy's Michele Scarponi of Lampre.
Despite gaining 10 seconds over Scarponi today, Vincenzo Nibali of Liquigas had to settle for third place in the final standings, finishing 46 seconds behind his compatriot.
With defending champion Ivan Basso skipping the Giro to concentrate on July's Tour de France, Contador was favourite to dominate the 94th edition of the race and took the leader's jersey from Rabobank's Pieter Weening with 11 stages remaining.
The top overall British finisher was Peter Kennaugh of Team Sky in 87th place.
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