Di Luca will attack

The riders enjoyed the second rest day of the three-week race on Monday, planning their tactics for the final decisive stages which include one of the toughest tests in Europe.

Liquigas' Di Luca leads compatriot Eddy Mazzoleni by one minute and 51 seconds, with Luxembourg's Andy Schleck third at 2:56, but admitted he needs a bigger advantage to secure overall victory.

And Wednesday's 142km 18th stage from Lienz in Austria to the summit of Monte Zoncolan back in Italy could be crucial.

"If I feel good on Wednesday I'll attack again to gain more time," Di Luca said.

"They say Monte Zoncolan is the hardest climb in Europe and so it'll be a very important stage. It's very steep but I think it suits me and I'm confident of my form."

Former winner Gilberto Simoni, fourth overall, said: "Di Luca has a good lead but the Giro isn't over yet.

"There's still a week of racing to go and I don't feel beaten. Di Luca is very strong but he has to attack on Monte Zoncolan if he wants to win the Giro."

Tuesday's 189km 16th stage from Agordo to Lienz is a transition stage which looks set to see a breakaway.