Tim Merlier of Belgium won stage six of the Tirreno-Adriatico ©Getty Images

Tim Merlier of Belgium won stage six of the Tirreno-Adriatico with Britain's Simon Yates retaining his overall lead of the competition in Italy.

Merlier completed the 171 kilometre route from Castelfidardo to Senigallia in 3hrs 59mins 30secs. 

He held off a late charge from Germany's Pascal Ackermann to take the victory. 

Magnus Cort Nielsen of Denmark finished in third. 

"The team brought me perfectly to the sprint, we took the left side of the sprint, the one most exposed to the wind but it proved to be the right choice," said Merlier. 

"The last few stages have been hard for me with so many climbs, I am happy I can finally celebrate today."

Yates crossed the line in the main pack of riders to maintain his overall lead.

Britain's Simon Yates is still leading the Tirreno-Adriatico ©Getty Images
Britain's Simon Yates is still leading the Tirreno-Adriatico ©Getty Images

Rafal Majka of Poland is 16 seconds off the leader, with Britain's Geraint Thomas 39 seconds off the pace. 

"There was a lot of headwind in the final kilometres, it was a messy sprint," said Yates.

"Luckily it all went well for me. 

"Tomorrow it could be a more challenging stage but we have a strong team to defend the Maglia Azzurra."

Competition is due to continue with stage seven tomorrow. 

Participants will complete a 181km route from Pieve Torina to Loreto.