Leonardo Bertagnolli made a decisive break late on to claim a comfortable victory in the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

The Italian won the 161-kilometre stage by 54 seconds after defying the sweltering conditions to make a late decisive burst.

Serge Pauwels was the next rider to cross the line with Marco Pinotti and Lars Ytting accredited with the same time as the Belgian.

Radobank's Russian rider Denis Menchov retained the leader's pink jersey after he finished the day in 16th and is 34 seconds clear of nearest rival, and 2007 Giro winner, Danilo Di Luca.

Levi Leipheimer is third in the overall standings a further 11 seconds back.

Pre-race favourite Ivan Basso remains out of contention with more than three minutes separating him and Menchov.

Lance Armstrong's preparations for an eighth Tour de France continued to run smoothly, as he also recovers from a broken collarbone suffered earlier this year, as he finished amongst the peloton to be 13th overall.

Monday's 16th stage takes the riders from Pergola and through the mountainous terrain to Monte Petrano along a 237km journey.

The three-week race finishes in Rome next Sunday.