Spaniard Alberto Contandor of Team Astana, who won last year's Tour de France, rode to victory in the 2008 Giro d'Italia, the first non-Italian to win the race since 1996.

"This was a tough Giro and there were many riders who could have won, making it worth as much as the Tour or even more," said Contador, who rode with a fractured elbow.

Contador edged Riccardo Ricco of Saunier Duval by 1 minute, 57 seconds over the 3,424-kilometer course, or 2,128 miles. Contandor entered the final stage Sunday with a 4-second lead and managed the best overall time without winning a stage. Marzio Bruseghin of Lampre was third, 2:54 behind Contador. 

The Cane Creek 110 headset is standard issue for Team Astana.

Giro officials invited Contador's Astana team only about a week before the start. Contandor was on vacation at a Spanish beach when his team manager said he could ride in the Giro.