Italian Mario Cipollini of the Saeco team won a sprint finish to take the 150km sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia (Tour ofItaly) and his 31st stage win in the event today.
The 34-year-old Italian, who has controversially not been invited to this year's Tour de France, becomes the most successful post-War Girocyclist equalling the 31 stage wins of compatriot Learco Guerra between 1930 and 1937.
Only one cyclist has bettered that record, Italian Alfredo Binda, who won 41 Tour of Italy stages between 1926 and 1933.
Cipollini, will not have the chance to beat the current Italian record of 12 Tour de France stage wins held by him and Gino Bartali, after thedecision to leave him and 1998 Tour winner Marco Pantani out in the cold.
Cipollini, second in Thursday's fifth stage, came in ahead of Germany's Danilo Hondo, winner of two stages in this year's Giro, and third-placedItalian Massimo Strazzer.
Several kilometres of the race were run at reduced speed in protest at the accident to Spanish Kelme rider Jesus Manzano, who was knockeddown during the stage by a motorcycle owned by organisers.
Italy's Dario Frigo, riding for Fassa Bortolo, retained the overall leader's pink jersey.
AFP