CYCLING/Giro d'Italia:Italy's Alessandro Petacchi won a mass sprint to take the 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia from Serravalle Scrivia to Pinerolo yesterday. The Milram rider beat compatriot Gabriele Balducci and Australia's Robbie McEwen for his third race win.

Overall leader Andrea Noe of the Liquigas team was one of several riders who crashed on the finish line but the Italian retained the pink jersey.

Today's 12th stage from Scalenghe to Briancon in France is the first mountain stage. The 163-km stage includes the Colle dell'Agnello, the highest climb of the race, and the Col d'Izoard.