The Dutch Mitchelton-Scott rider completed the 12.1 kilometres time trial in a time of 24min 31sec to further her advantage in the race for the overall classification.

The 36-year-old double world time trial champion, who claimed the pink leader's jersey following her stage five win yesterday, was nearly a minute faster than the rest of the field in the International Cycling Union Women's World Tour event.

Van Vleuten was 53 seconds quicker than Anna van der Breggen of Biels-Dolmans, who finished in second place.

Team Trek–Segafredo's Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy was third, 1:48 behind the victorious Dutchwoman.

"It was like, copy and paste from yesterday’s solo attack," Van Vleuten told Cycling Weekly.

"It was super hard and you just go all out. 

"People think if you’re in great shape, a time trial doesn’t hurt. 

"They are wrong, you hurt to the max, because otherwise you don’t gain enough time."

The Giro Rosa -the Women's Giro d'Italia - is due to resume tomorrow with stage seven, a 128km journey from Cornedo Vicentino to Fara Vicentina/San Giorgio di Perlena.