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Jalabert aims to regain Giro command

By Mike Price

Laurent Jalabert (R) sprints towards the victory flanked by Italian Marco Pantani at the end of the 16th 232 km stage from Biella to Lumezzane May 31. Italian Marco Panatni was second and retains the overall race leader while Gilberto Simoni arrived third. (NO ARK) sr/ Photo by ANSA REUTERS

LUMEZZANE, Italy, May 31 - Frenchman Laurent Jalabert vowed to recapture the pink jersey of Giro d'Italia leader after snatching victory by centimetres in Monday's 16th stage.

He jabbed his front wheel ahead just as overall leader Marco Pantani made it a photo-finish to the 243 km leg from Biella.

"I am convinced that I will get back the jersey," said Jalabert, two minutes six seconds adrift of Pantani.

His last chance comes in Wednesday's time trial at Treviso.

"It doesn't change much, however, because in the mountains Pantani is too strong. Still, second overall in Milan on Sunday will be like an overall victory for me.

"No-one will beat Pantani, so they are all racing for second place."

Although the 42 km time trial comes after more than 2,800 km of racing, Jalabert feels sure he can unseat Pantani.

I have recovered well so far, and even though it is the third week of the Giro I am confident."

Pantani's second place in the uphill finish earned a deduction of eight seconds from his aggregate race time, and extended his Giro lead to two minutes five seconds over Italian Paolo Savoldelli.

"I am not a sprinter but at the end of a difficult stage I can be among the best," said Pantani, who was caught out by a desperate attack from Italian Gilberto Simoni.

Pantani was busy changing gear when Simoni tried to outflank them, Jalabert counter-attacked, and when Pantani responded Simoni was left with third place.

The Giro has not been tough until now," said Pantani, who has calculated his fate in Wednesday's race-against-the-clock.

"If I lose three seconds a kilometre that will be ok, but if my legs are bad I will lose four seconds per kilometre."

There are still three days to come in the Dolomites where Pantani is sure to rule, but for Switzerland's Alex Zuelle the Giro is over.

He pulled out before Monday's start because he is expected to race the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana.

Zuelle only returned to competition at the start of May after being suspended for seven months over the Tour doping affair.

LUMEZZANE, Italy, May 31 - Leading placings in the 243-km 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race from Biella to Lumezzane on Monday: