The American has been in fine form during the opening week of the race, having held the race lead for three days, after winning the second stage.

She then triumphed during yesterday’s 118.6 kilometres race to Madonna della Guardia.

Stevens had broken the International Cycling Union (UCI) Women’s Hour Record earlier this year and was again able to show her ability in a solo effort by performing impressively during the 21.9km time trial.

The Boels Dolmans cyclist crossed the finish line in a time of 36min and 22sec to earn her second stage win of the UCI Women’s WorldTour race.

Defending champion Anna Van Der Breggen was narrowly off the pace, as the Dutchwoman ended just three seconds in arrears.

Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini was a further second adrift in third, while American Megan Guarnier, the current race leader, finished 29 seconds down.

The effort proved enough for Guarnier to maintain the pink jersey, although her Boels Dolmans team-mate Stevens is now 34 seconds behind overall.

After her strong performance on the stage, Van Der Breggen has moved up into third place in the general classification but remains 1:34 down.

Reigning world champion Lizzie Armitstead has opted to withdraw from the race after suffering from illness, with the British rider now looking to prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic road race.

Tomorrow will see the peloton tackle the penultimate stage of the race, with a 99km route taking the teams from Rescaldina to Legnano.

The race will conclude on Sunday (July 9) with a 105km stage in Verbania.