Denis Menchov dropped from second to sixth in the standings after a crash.

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Menchov was still sliding along the wet surface as his mechanic jumped out of the team car and took another bike from the roof.

BBC: Menchov wins Giro despite crash

But the LPR rider had blasted out too fast and proceeded to fade, finding himself 14 seconds down on Menchov at the next time check.

BBC: Menchov wins Giro despite crash

Menchov had a 20-second lead coming into the final day as the Giro celebrated its centenary year with one of the closest finishes in its history.

BBC: Menchov wins Giro despite crash

Top contenders now include 35-year-old Russian Denis Menchov, a two-time Tour of Spain winner, the Schleck brothers and the 2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre of Spain.

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Di Luca briefly looked to be on the brink of a famous victory when he got to the first time check fastest of all and five seconds up on Menchov.

BBC: Menchov wins Giro despite crash

Menchov went to pick up his crashed bike but the mechanic shouted to get on the new one and the Russian rode the unblemished machinery home to claim the race.

BBC: Menchov wins Giro despite crash

Denis Menchov of Russia is fourth at two minutes.

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