Cycling: Henderson continues to impress

New Zealander Greg Henderson picked up his third top 10 finish in cycling's Giro d'Italia with a battling eighth on the 187km ninth stage at Cava De' Tirreni, Italy, today (NZT).

Fifth on stages one and five, Henderson was right up with the leaders in the closing straight, fading slightly in the frantic sprint finish which was won by Australian rider Matthew Goss in four hours eight minutes and 17 seconds. Henderson's eight placing was on the same time.

After the stage, Team Sky sports director Sean Yates hinted it would not be long before Henderson was once again challenging in the thick of the action.

"It was pleasing to see Greg get into position for the sprint, but the finish turned out to be tougher than we expected and he didn't quite have the legs there, which was unfortunate."

The other New Zealander in the tour, Garmin rider Julian Dean was 7min 36sec off the pace, finishing well down in 165th place.

Kazakh veteran Alexandre Vinokourov retained the overall lead, a minute 12 seconds clear of Australia's road race world champion Cadel Evans in second place.

Henderson is 60th in the overall standings, 38min 42sec down on Vinukurov, while Dean is 155th at 1hr 10min 28sec.

Tomorrow's 10th stage takes the race to its southernmost point with the 230km ride from Avellino to Bitonto.

- NZPA