Alberto Contador burned off his nearest rivals in a gruelling mountain time-trial to win his second stage of this year's Giro d'Italia and strengthen his grip on first place.
The Saxo Bank-Sungard rider completed the 16th stage from Beluno to Nevegal in 28 minutes and 55 seconds.
Vincenzo Nibali of Liquigas was 34 seconds adrift, while Lampre's Michele Scarponi finished four seconds further adrift.
Britain's David Millar came in 24th, 1min 56sec back on Contador.
There was a minute's silence before today's stage in honour of Movistar's Xavier Tondo, who died yesterday in a freak accident at his home in Spain.
Contador wore a black armband and later dedicated the victory to his compatriot, and the result ensured he extended his lead at the top of the general classification to 4min 58sec with just five stages remaining.
