Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank) has won Stage 16 of the 2011 Giro. The Spaniard dominated Stage 16, a 12.5-km mountain time trial from Belluno to Nevegal, in 28:55. Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) finished second at 0:34, and Michele Scarponi (Lampre) took third at 0:38. Contador has extended his overall lead in the 2011 Giro.

Stef Clement (Rabobank) set the early standard. The Dutchman posted a 30:28. He remained the stage leader until Branislau Samoilau (Movistar) crossed the finish line with a 29:54 about an hour later. Marco Pinotti (HTC) pipped Samoilau by 0:01.

Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone) bested Pinotti by 0:12, and then Jose Rujano (Androni Giacattoli) shaved 0:07 off of Garzelli's standard. Nibali then knocked 0:05 off of Rujano's time.

Nibali had the day's fastest time at the time check, but that section was mainly on the flat, and Contador was clearly faster on the uphill sections. He vaulted up the climb to go from 13th at the time check to first at the finish line.

In the overall, Contador leads Scarponi by 4:58 and Nibali at 5:45. Stage 17, a 230-km ride from Feltre to Tirano, probably will not change this state of affairs. The stage will be hilly and will probably allow a group of escapees to fight for the day's honors. Who will be in the break? Check in at www.roadcycling.com and find out!