The Lampre-Merida rider came from behind to beat Australian 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans in a tough climb in the town of Viggiano after breaking away with about 150 metres to go.

"Starting as the big favourite is always difficult," Ulissi said.

"I showed I was ready.

"So I'm enjoying this moment.

"I wanted this win too against the big names who were up there in the finale of the stage."

Colombia's Julián Arredondo finished the 203-kilometre stage from Taranto, which saw the cyclists facing yet more rain and crashes, in third place.

Meanwhile, Orica-GreenEdge's Michael Matthews finished sixth and in doing so made sure he will wear the overall leader's pink jersey for a fourth day - a record for an Australian rider.

Michael Matthews will wear the overall leader's pink jersey for a
fourth day ©AFP/Getty Images


He now holds a 14-second lead ahead of teammate Pieter Weening of the Netherlands and Evans in third place.

"I think the boys rode really well all day, they worked hard to keep me out of the wind and of problems," Matthews said.

"I still haven't won a stage, which I really wanted, but I'm still in the pink jersey and we'll try again to fight to win tomorrow's stage."

The Giro continues tomorrow with the 247km sixth stage from Sassano to Monte Cassino - the second longest leg of this year's race - and concludes in Trieste on June 1.

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