Masnada wins his first stage as Conti takes lead

Faust oM as nada of Italy claimed his first victor y in a Grand Tour by winning the sixth stage of the Giro d’italia while compatriot Vale rio Conti seized the overall lead from Primoz Roglic, who was involved in an early crash.

The Italian duo were in a twoman breakaway for nearly 30 kilometres and Con ti then allowed Masnada to grab the stage win without contesting the sprint, knowing he would take over the leader’ s pink jersey.

“It’s a lot of joy. I’m really happy. I knew I was on form but winning a stage is really difficult and I did it,” said Masnada, who rides for Androni. “I want to dedicate this win to my uncle who died just before I left for the Giro. I managed to see him and I promised him I would get a stage win for him and I did.”

The two had pulled away from an original 12- man breakaway which went early on the 238 km (148- mile) route from C as si no to San Giovanni Rot on do after a crash slowed down the peloton briefly.

Roglic, who had worn the maglia rosa since winning the opening time trial on Saturday, was involved in the crash but the Slovenian cyclist was not seriously injured. However, he did tear his shorts and had scratches and cuts on his right buttock. Jose Rojas finished third, 38 seconds behind Masnada.

Roglic and the other major favourites crossed the line more than seven minutes behind Cont ian dare now more than five minutes behind the UAE Team Emirates cyclist in the overall standings.

Conti is one minute, 41 seconds ahead of compatriot Giovanni Carboni and 2:09 ahead of Nans Peters of France.

The 26 -year- old Conti will be the first Italian to wear the maglia rosa since Vincenzo Nibali in 2016 – the year he went on to claim his second Giro title.

“I was targeting both stage win and maglia rosa but Fausto Masnada is an incredibly strong rider,” Conti said. “I’m very happy with what I got. For an Italian rider, it’s fantastic. This is my first time leading a stage race. I’m thrilled.”

Today’ s seventh stage is a hilly, 185km route from Vasto to L’aquila. The Giro finishes in Verona on 2 June.