Basso Takes Giro

Basso Wins Giro D'Italia Cycling Race
The Associated Press
Sunday, May 28, 2006; 12:57 PM

MILAN, Italy -- Ivan Basso won the Giro d'Italia cycling race Sunday, dominating the 21-stage event to win his first major title. Jose Gutierrez Cataluna was second, trailing by more than nine minutes. Two-time Giro winner Gilberto Simoni, one of the best climbers and most experienced riders in the race, was third, nearly 12 minutes back.

"It's a beautiful, happy day for me," Basso said. "I had been dreaming for years a day like this."

The 28-year-old Italian now goes after a rare double in the Tour de France after finishing second to Lance Armstrong last year.