Menchov takes Giro lead with time-trial win

RIOMAGGIORE, Italy (Reuters) - Russia's Denis Menchov blew away the field in Thursday's individual time-trial to take the 12th stage of the Giro d'Italia and wrestle the leader's pink jersey from Italian Danilo Di Luca.

Rabobank rider Menchov, twice Tour of Spain winner, completed a gruelling 60.6-km up-and-down course in the Cinque Terre region on Italy's north-east coast in one hour 34 minutes and 29 seconds.

LPR's Di Luca, who had worn the pink jersey for seven stages, came in 1:54 behind in sixth place.

The 2007 winner, who is not a time trial specialist, was not disappointed as he limited the damage in the overall standings to 34 seconds after what was widely considered a crucial stage.

"Menchov was very strong. I defended myself well. I'm very happy," Di Luca told Rai television.

"It (the stage) was really hard. It never ended. I started well. On the second climb I struggled a bit but I'm satisfied.

"I said before that the race starts again from today. The important thing is that I'm there, not too many seconds behind. There are stages well suited to me. So let's wait and see."

Astana's Levi Leipheimer of the United States came in 20 seconds behind the Russian to move up to third overall, six seconds adrift of Di Luca.

Italy's Franco Pellizotti went up to fourth with a fifth-placed finish Thursday and continues to outshine his Liquigas team mate Ivan Basso, who was 11th.