Simoni limits his losses

Frigo celebrates victory in the time trial

Gilberto Simoni retained the overall lead in the Giro d'Italia after finishing second to chief rival Dario Frigo in Sunday's crucial time trial.

Frigo, riding for the Fassa Bortolo team, won the 55.5km 15th stage along the shores of Lake Garda in one hour 11 minutes and 35 seconds.

But Simoni, a good climber with a questionable reputation in time tests, was a surprise second in 1:12:04 and now holds a 15-second lead over his fellow Italian.

Spain's Abraham Olano was third, more than a minute behind the winner, but still climbed to third place overall.

I'm satisfied with my time, but I did not really expect such a good performance by Simoni

  Dario Frigo

The leg started without Wladimir Belli, Frigo's team-mate, who was kicked out from the Giro by the jury for punching a fan during Saturday's stage.

"I'm satisfied with my time, but I did not really expect such a good performance by Simoni today," said Frigo. "I'll fight through the last stage, to possibly regain the pink jersey."

The 21-leg Giro ends in Milan on 10 June. A rest day is scheduled for Tuesday.

Leading placings in the 15th stage:

1 Dario Frigo (Ita) Fassa Bortolo one hour 11 minutes and 35 seconds
2 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Lampre 29 seconds behind
3 Abraham Olano (Spa) Once 1:16
4 Sergej Honchar (Ukr) Liquigas 1:32
5 Jose Azevedo (Por) Once 2:25

Overall standings:

1 Simoni 69 hours 48 minutes and 49 seconds
2 Frigo 15 seconds behind
3 Olano 4:32
4 Unai Osa (Spain) ibanesto.com 5:22
5 Honchar 6:10