Team CSC's Jens Voigt attacked successfully from a breakaway to take a superb solo victory in stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia in rainy Varese.

The big German launched a typically committed, all-out attack 35 kilometres from home, and buried himself to hold off the chasing trio of Giovanni Visconti, Gabriele Bosisio and Rinaldo Nocentini.

The Astana-led peloton crossed the line 7'56 back to preserve Alberto Contador's pink jersey ahead of the final three crucial stages of the race.

World champion Paolo Bettini had identified the day as his last opportunity to take a stage win in his home tour, and indeed he wasted no time in launching the attack that defined the stage after just over ten kilometres.

He was immediately joined by a high-class group of riders including breakaway specialist Voigt, the Italian and Spanish champions Visconti and Joaquin Rodriguez, as well as cyclamen jersey Daniele Bennati.

With the highest placed breakaway rider - Felix Cardenas - a full 11'24 back on the general classification, the Astana team were content to let the breakaway gain a lead of around six minutes.

With High Road seemingly content with their string of sprint victories, it gradually became clear the breakaway would not be caught.

As the rain began to fall heavier, Voigt took advantage of a sleeping breakaway group to launch his sudden attack. Nervous glances were exchanged between the likes of Bettini and Nocentini, though nobody was quick enough to jump on Voigt's tail, and he rapidly rode out an advantage of 30 seconds.

The tactical games going on amongst the remaining 11 riders cost them valuable time, and though Bettini launched one big attack to try and bridge the gap, he found his legs wanting, and was soon reeled back in.

With 25 kilometres to go and Voigt 50 seconds clear, Nocentini broke clear, followed immediately by Bosisio and Visconti.

The all-Italian trio gave everything to haul Voigt back in, but the 36-year-old veteran - a fine time-triallist - was not to be caught, and preserved his lead to take his first ever win in the Giro d'Italia.

Visconti took the second place ahead of Nocentini and Bosision, with Bennati bringing home the rest of the breakaway ahead of Bettini moments later.

Michael FitzGerald / Eurosport