Sastre battles heat, hills to win 16th Giro stage

MONTE PETRANO, Italy (AP) -- Carlos Sastre of Spain has won the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia, a grueling route made even tougher by 100-degree heat. Denis Menchov of Russia remains the overall leader.

Sastre was timed in 7 hours, 11 minutes, 54 seconds on Monday over the 147-mile leg from Pergola to Monte Petrano. The stage featured three major climbs and ended with an uphill run.

Menchov was the runner-up, 25 seconds behind. Danilo di Luca of Italy was third, 26 seconds back.

After a rest day Tuesday, competition resumes Wednesday with a 52-mile stage from Chieti to Blockhaus. The race ends May 31 in Rome.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.