Ciaran Power yesterday finished in the main bunch at the summit finish of Abetone on the mountainous ninth stage of the Tour of Italy, performing satisfactorily in one of the biggest tests of his five-month professional career.

The Irish rider crossed the line in 108th place, exactly 19 minutes behind stage winner and new overall leader Francesco Casagrande of Italy. Power is currently 147th overall in what is his first three-week tour, and once out of the mountains will have aspirations of improving on the fifth place he achieved on a stage in the opening week.

Casagrande made a successful attack on the approach to the climb of San Pellegrino about 30 kilometres from the finish and won by more than a minute and a half. He also took over the pink jersey of the overall leader.

Italy's Stefano Garzelli finished at the head of the chasing group ahead of compatriots Dario Frigo, Gilberto Simoni and Danilo Di Luca.

The tour continues until June 4th.