Rabobank’s 2009 Giro d’Italia champion shows great form at ProTour stage race in Switzerland

Rabobank’s Denis Menchov made all the right moves in a dramatic final stage at the five-day Tour de Romandie, securing a podium finish at the April 27th -May 2nd ProTour event in Switzerland.

Menchov, who started the 122-kilometre Stage 5 in Sion in fifth place overall, endured miserable conditions that caused nearly half the field to abandon the final stage. Fighting off the rain and cold, Menchov put on a powerful climbing display on the decisive Category 1 ascent in Ovronnaz, 20 kilometres from the finish.

Riding his Giant TCR Advanced SL team bike, Menchov joined a group of four that broke away on the climb to shake up the final standings. The group gapped race leader Michael Rogers of Australia and crossed the finish 23 seconds ahead of a chase group including Rogers.

Spaniard Alejandro Valverde took the stage honours, securing the overall win as well. Menchov’s fourth-place stage finish moved him up to third place overall. The Russian had put himself into contention two days earlier with an impressive time trial performance. He finished fifth in the 23.4-kilometre Stage 3 race against the clock in Moudon.

The Tour de Romandie is considered one of the key preparations for the season’s grand tours. With its mix of mountainous terrain and time trials, the race offers ideal prep for longer stage races including the Tour de France, which Menchov is focusing on for July.

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