Luca Paolini timed his effort perfectly to win the third stage of the Giro d’Italia and snatch the overall leader’s pink jersey at the end of an eventful ride on Monday.
Paolini, whose Katusha team were a late inclusion in the race after they won a place on the World Tour (elite) following an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), attacked in the final descent of the 222-km trek from Sorrento.
Australian Cadel Evans and defending champion Ryder Hesjedal of Canada finished second and third respectively, taking precious time bonuses.
“I raced today as if it were a one-day classic,” Paolini told reporters.
“I suffered in the last climb but I knew there was a descent afterwards so I did not give up. We will now enjoy the pink jersey and will try to keep it as long as we can.”
Pre-race favourites Bradley Wiggins of Britain and Italian Vincenzo Nibali finished safe in the lead chase group.