The Mitchelton-Scott rider attacked in the closing two kilometres of the 156km stage 11.

The race leader was able to pull away from his rivals, although defending champion Tom Dumoulin proved able to close at the summit.

Yates would hold off the Dutchman to take the stage victory in a time of 3 hours, 25min and 53sec.

He would also pick up a further four bonus seconds as the British rider continues to extend his race lead.

Dumoulin ended two seconds adrift to end as runner-up on the stage.

"We decided before the stage that we wouldn't chase because normally on such a finale there are faster guys like Tim Wellens," Yates said.

"Other teams did that for the stage win.

"The plan was that if it came back I would, of course, try. 

"I'm glad to getting more time on Tom Dumoulin.

"He was chasing me and he looked better than other days on steep finishes.

"He's getting better as the race goes on."

Yates was able to extend his overall lead to 47 seconds to Dumoulin, but appears likely to need a larger cushion with the Dutch rider expected to gain time in the individual time trial later in the race.

France's Thibaut Pinot would end eight seconds adrift of Yates on the stage, which took place in the hometown of the late Michele Scarponi, who was killed in a training ride last year.

Pinot is third overall at 1min 4sec behind, with Italy’s Domenico Pozzovivo a further 14 seconds back.

It was another difficult day for reigning Tour de France and Vuelta a España champion Chris Froome, with the Briton losing another 40 seconds.

Froome now lies outside the top 10, with the Team Sky rider now over three minutes off the lead.

Racing will continue tomorrow with a 214km ride from Osimo to Imola.