LIMONE PIEMONTE, Italy, 27 May 2005 — Ivan Basso, who on Sunday looked close to having to give up the Giro d’Italia, yesterday bounced back by winning the 17th stage from Varazze to Limone Piemonte. The CSC rider managed to break away from a six-strong group some five kilometres from the finish and none of the others could follow on the rise, allowing Basso to win the 194km long stage. Although his compatriot Paolo Savoldelli managed only a seventh place and lost some ground at the top of the overall standings, he kept the pink jersey for the overall leader and must be considered the favourite to win the tour, with only three stages remaining.
