Cycling:Australia's Matthew Lloyd won stage six of the Giro d'Italia after a day-long break today as Vincenzo Nibali held on to the race leader's pink jersey for a third successive day.
Lloyd (Omega Pharma-Lotto) went clear along with Switzerland’s Rubens Bertogliati (Androni Giocattoli), but attacked on the final climb of the 172-kilometres stage from Fidenza to Marina di Carrara to claim his first Grand Tour victory.
Italy’s Nibali (Liquigas) finished safely in the peloton to retain the maglia rosa with a 13-second lead over compatriot and team-mate Ivan Basso.
Lloyd, who was one of the pre-race favourites but lost time in the crash-strewn opening stages in The Netherlands, and Bertogliati broke clear early on in the day and established a lead of over five minutes midway through the day.
The duo worked well together to maintain their advantage, with Lloyd even waiting while his rival changed wheels following a puncture.
The Australian was in less forgiving mood on the final climb, the Bedizzano, and attacked with 11km to go.
Bertogliati could not respond and finished one minute six seconds behind as Lloyd celebrated a solo success which saw him take the green king of the mountains jersey.
Germany’s Danilo Hondo (Lampre) led the bunch home nine seconds behind Bertogliati.
Ireland’s Daniel Martin came home in 142nd position in a group that finished 11 minutes and 30 seconds behind Lloyd. He drops back to 130th in the general classification.