Garmin-Barracuda's Ryder Hesjedal won the 2012 Giro d'Italia's general classification by a 16-second margin over Joaquim Rodriguez, who held the maglia rosa for much of the second half of the race.
Thomas De Gendt finished in third place largely due to his incredible win in the high mountains on Saturday. He nearly eliminated a five-minute-plus gap to take the lead, but he slowed down near the end of Stage 20. Still, De Gendt was the only other rider to finish within two minutes (+1:39) of Hesjedal when all was pedaled and done.
Last year's winner, Michele Scarponi, finished in fourth while two-time winner (most recently in 2010) Ivan Basso came in fifth.
Here is how the top 10 of the general classification finished (full standings here):
| Pos. | Name | Country | Team | Time | d |
| 1 | Ryder Hesjedal | CAN | GRM | 91:39:02 | 0:00 |
| 2 | Joaquim Rodriguez | ESP | KAT | 91:39:18 | 0:16 |
| 3 | Thomas De Gendt | BEL | VCD | 91:40:41 | 1:39 |
| 4 | Michele Scarponi | ITA | LAM | 91:41:07 | 2:05 |
| 5 | Ivan Basso | ITA | LIQ | 91:42:46 | 3:44 |
| 6 | Damiano Cunego | ITA | LAM | 91:43:42 | 4:40 |
| 7 | Rigoberto Uran Uran | COL | SKY | 91:44:59 | 5:57 |
| 8 | Domenico Pozzovivo | ITA | COG | 91:45:30 | 6:28 |
| 9 | Sergio Luis Henao Montoya | COL | SKY | 91:46:52 | 7:50 |
| 10 | Mikel Nieve Ituralde | ESP | EUS | 91:47:10 | 8:08 |
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.
