Giro d'Italia 2010

In one of the most exciting Grand Tours in recent years, Italy's Ivan Basso took the leader's pink jersey in the final mountain stages to win his second Giro d'Italia. It was redemption for Basso, who had served a two-year suspension for his suspected involvement in the Spanish Operation Puerto doping scandal. He overtook surprise leader David Arroyo, and beat back challenges from World Champion Cadel Evans and from Alexandre Vinokourov, who had served his own two-year suspension. Fear of snow and landslides had almost forced the race to detour from the famed Gavia Pass, but organizers allowed the climb to continue at the last minute. Basso may take the start of the Tour de France as well, giving cycling fans a chance to witness a rare double victory. ( 23 photos total)

Italy's Ivan Basso pedals in Verona's ancient arena after winning the Giro d'Italia cycling race in Verona May 30. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

Pink bicycles placed just above the water celebrate the arrival of the Giro d'Italia in Schalkwijk, Netherlands May 4. Several cities displayed pink art forms to announce the departure of the Giro from the Netherlands. (REUTERS/Michael Kooren) #

Team Milram's Matthias Russ departs from Museum Square for the individual time trial in Amsterdam May 8. (REUTERS/Michael Kooren) #

The peloton passes a windmill in Vreeland during the second stage from Amsterdam to Utrecht May 9. (REUTERS/Olaf Kraak) #

The peloton fills the road during the second stage from Amsterdam to Utrecht May 9. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

Cyclists pass tulip fields near Haarlemmermeer during the third stage from Amsterdam to Middelburg May 10. (REUTERS/Paul Vreeker/United Photos) #

The peloton rides during the fifth stage from Novara to Novi Ligure May 13. (Luk Beines/AFP/Getty Images) #

Alexandre Vinokourov wipes mud from his face as he leads Cadel Evans during the seventh stage from Carrara to Montalcino May 15. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

The peloton passes through countryside during the eighth stage from Chianciano Terme to Terminillo May 16. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

Richie Porte, wearing the pink leader's jersey, pedals during the 13th stage from Porto Recanati to Cesenatico May 21. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

Richie Porte prepares for the start of stage 14 from Ferrara to Asolo May 22. (Luk Beines/AFP/Getty Images) #

Alexandre Vinokourov displays fabulous helmet-hair after stage 14 in Asolo May 22. (Luk Beines/AFP/Getty Images) #

Ivan Basso climbs Monte Zoncolan on his way to winning the 138-mile 15th stage from Mestre to Monte Zoncolan May 23. (REUTERS/Alessandro Trovati/Pool) #

Ivan Basso faces a fan as he pedals in the 16th stage, an individual time trial from San Vigilio Marebbe to Plan de Corones, May 25. The writing on the fan's chest reads: "L'hai voluta la bici: pedala" (You did want the bike: pedal). (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

David Arroyo, in the pink leader's jersey, is cheered by fans during the individual uphill time trial in the 16th stage May 25. (Luk Beines/AFP/Getty Images) #

Stefano Garzelli wears a crown after winning the 16th stage May 25. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

David Arroyo, still wearing the leader's pink jersey, signs the board at the start in Brunico before the 17th stage to Peio Terme May 26. (REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo) #

A fan dressed as movie character Borat runs with a flag alongside competitors during the 17th stage May 26. (REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo) #

Damien Monier reacts after winning the 17th stage May 26. (REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo) #

Andre Greipel (right) celebrates his victory with his teammate Reynes Mimo Vicente after the 18th stage from Levico Terme to Brescia May 27. (REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo) #

Ivan Basso climbs Mortirolo Pass followed by his teammate Vincenzo Nibali during the 19th stage from Brescia to Aprica May 28. Basso placed second on the day to take the overall leader's pink jersey from David Arroyo. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati) #

Ivan Basso of Italy, wearing the leader's pink jersey, climbs Gavia peak during the 111-mile 20th stage from Bormio to Ponte di Legno/Tonale May 29. (REUTERS/Alessandro Trovati/Pool) #

Ivan Basso arrives in the Verona arena just after crossing the finish line and winning the 93rd Giro d'Italia May 30. (Luk Beines/AFP/Getty Images) #

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Giro d'Italia 2010