Joaquin Rodriguez won the tough 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia Wednesday to keep his grip on the overall lead. Rodriguez led a group of Giro favorites over the line in 5 hours, 24 minutes, 41 seconds, to claim his second stage victory of this year's race. Defending champion Michele Scarponi struggled with cramps on the descent from the Passo Giau which looked to prove costly, but he rode powerfully to catch up with the group. The main contenders were expected to be at the front of Wednesday's stage in the Dolomites, with four tough climbs along the 186-kilometer route.
