Former two-time winner Gilberto Simoni of Italy won the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia, a 142km course from Linz in Austria to Monte Zoncolan, Italy on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old crossed the line ahead of Saunier Duval team-mate Leonardo Piepoli to repeat his success of 2003.

His compatriot Danilo Di Luca retained the race leader's pink jersey with four days remaining of the race.

"I haven't won in two years," gasped Simoni, who won the overall title in 2001 and 2003. "To have won here on Monte Zoncolan means an enormous amount to me, more than being on the podium.

"I did come here hoping to win the overall title but Di Luca is very strong. It was important to win a stage, more so that it was Monte Zoncolan which is the most beautiful."

Luxembourg's Frank Schleck raced alongside the two Italians for most of the toughest climbs and took third place in the stage and second overall, 2minutes 24 seconds adrift of Di Luca.

Eddy Mazzoleni, who begun the day in second place, came in 13th 2:26 off the pace.

Di Luca, who trailed 7km from the summit after Simoni accelerated, managed to fight back in the final stages to limit the damage to 31 seconds. However he said that overall victory for himself was far from assured.

Thursday's 18th stage is a 203km ride from Udine to Riese Pie X.

Source: Xinhua