Bruseghin pulls surprise

The Lampre rider finished just one second ahead of Saunier Duval's Leonardo Piepoli to snatch a surprise victory in the 12.6-km uphill trip from Biella to the Oropa sanctuary.

Liquigas leader Danilo Di Luca conserves his pink jersey with a third-place finish at eight seconds behind Bruseghin.

Bruseghin, who will not likely survive next week's journey through the Dolomite mountains as an overall contender, is second in the general classification at 55 seconds behind his leading compatriot.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck (CSC) put in a strong performance in Friday's time trial, finishing 40 seconds behind Bruseghin to finish in the top-ten and remain third in the GC at 1'57" behind Di Luca.

Bruseghin's Lampre captain Damiano Cunego, the 2004 Tour of Italy winner, is fourth overall at 2'40" off pace.

Gilberto Simoni suffered in the time trial, finishing outside of the top-ten at 1'06" behind Bruseghin to lose more time on Di Luca after struggling in yesterday's mountain stage as well.