The Orica-GreenEdge rider pulled away from compatriot Cadel Evans - who finished third but sits in second place overall - and Tim Wellens of Belgium, who finished in second place - with about 40 metres to go to take the 247-kilometre leg, which ran from Sassano to Monte Cassino.

"I still can't believe what happened," Matthews, who will wear the pink jersey for a fifth day, said.

"The team put me in a perfect position for the climb.

"We controlled the break, and then it was up to me to defend the jersey.

"I didn't think I'd be able to win the stage, too.

"I've got to thank the team, they were incredible.

"I was lucky to have Luke Durbridge in front of me, he did an awesome job.

"I wouldn't be here without him on the climb."

Cadel Evans is in second place overall ©AFP/Getty Images


The stage was, however, overshadowed by a significant crash that left Italy's Giampaolo Caruso seriously injured.

The Katusha rider was taken to hospital with unknown injuries after lying motionless - but conscious - on the road following the accident, which involved a number of cyclists and occurred on the wet road approaching the final climb.

Spain's Joaquim Rodríguez, one of the pre-race favourites, was also hospitalised.

"The crash happened in the front of the group because we were all up there," Colombia's Rigoberto Urán, third overall, said.

"All of the GC guys went down or were held up except [Cadel] Evans.

"Fortunately, I only have a few scratches and a contusion on my left side, the elbow and hip specifically.

"Fortunately it is nothing serious."

The action continues tomorrow with a 211km seventh stage ride from Frosinone to Foligno.

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