France's Damien Monier surged to victory in the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday while Spaniard David Arroyo kept the overall lead with the top contenders coming home together in the main pack.
Monier proved the strongest of a group of breakaways on the 173km ride from Brunico to Peio Terme to snap Italy's run of five consecutive stage wins with his first triumph as a pro.
In-form Ivan Basso, the 2006 Giro winner, remains 2:27 behind Arroyo after the Spaniard resisted attempts by Basso's Liquigas team to drop him by setting a strong pace in the group.
Australian Richie Porte is third while his compatriot, world champion Cadel Evans, is also well positioned in fourth place, 3:09 behind Arroyo.