Belli thrown out of Giro

Belli has been removed from the overall standings

Italian Wladimir Belli has been disqualified from the Giro d'Italia for hitting a spectator during Saturday's 14th stage.

The Fassa Bortolo rider, who finished second in the stage behind Carlos Contraeras, punched the nephew of the stage leader on the final climb.

A race jury took the unanimous decision to disqualify Belli from both the stage result and overall standings.

The modified stage results meant Spaniard Unai Osa finished in second place, with Italy's Dario Frigo in third.

Twisting descent

The time bonuses awarded to the top three finisher - 12, eight and four seconds - were also amended accordingly.

Contreras stormed through in a sprint finish to win the stage.

Gilberto Simoni of Italy retained the overall race lead by finishing fifth on the stage and now leads Frigo by 48 seconds.

On the final climb of the stage, Simoni attacked several times to try and gain a greater lead over Frigo, but the Italian always stayed in close contention.

On the twisting descent to the finish, Contreras and other riders caught the two breakaway leaders.

The Colombian then fought off the likes of Frigo and Simoni in a tight finish for a momentous victory.

The 1998 Giro winner Marco Pantani lost more time on the stage, finishing over three minutes behind Contreras.