MOUNT VESUVIUS, Italy -- Russia's Denis Menchov clung on to the Giro d'Italia pink leader's jersey with two days remaining after Friday's 19th stage climb up Mount Vesuvius.
Spain's Carlos Sastre, the 2008 Tour de France champion, completed the 164-kilometer run from Avellino in four hours, 33 minutes, 23 seconds to go fourth overall.
Rabobank's Menchov stuck close to second-placed Danilo Di Luca's wheel as the 2007 winner tried to break away on the climb to the finish line near the volcano's crater.
The LPR rider sprinted in ahead of Menchov on the final straight to cut the Russian's lead to 18 seconds, but he may have missed his last chance.
On Saturday, the riders have a relatively easy 203-kilometer stage from Naples to Anagni before the centenary edition of the three-week race finishes with Sunday's time trial in Rome.
"I tried in every way to break away from him, but nothing," Di Luca told Rai television.
"We'll see in the time trial in Rome, but for the moment he's the favourite because he's still in front."
Menchov is taking nothing for granted.
"You can't say anything (is decided) until Rome," he said. "Di Luca and I are very close and we contesting this Giro over a question of seconds. Naturally, it's better for me to be in front than behind."
Sastre pulled away with about two kilometers to go from Ivan Basso, who had attacked early on the climb. He then held off a late surge from the Italian's Liquigas team mate Franco Pellizotti to claim his second stage of this year's race after Monday's win at Monte Petrano.
Pellizotti finished 21 seconds later and remains third overall, although the gap with Menchov is down to 1:39.
American Lance Armstrong, racing in his first Giro having recovered from a broken collarbone, got back up quickly after falling on a winding descent on the Amalfi coast and came home 16th.
The American is out of contention for victory, 13:29 back in 12th, but looks in good shape as he prepares for a crack at an eighth Tour de France title in July after coming out of retirement.
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