EF Pro Cycling's Guerreiro outsprinted Spaniard Jonathan Castroviejo to clinch the first Grand Tour stage win of his career, following the pair moving clear of a breakaway group.

Guerreiro crossed the line in 5 hours 41min 20sec following a 207-kilometre route from San Salvo to Roccaraso.

Ineos Grenadiers rider Castroviejo was eight seconds back in second place.

"Finally, what a great satisfaction after so many second places," a delighted Guerreiro said after winning stage nine.

"The team and I really deserved this victory. 

"It was very difficult to get into the breakaway this morning and it’s extraordinary to win today."

Almeida's time on a wet day was 5:43:16.

The Deceuninck-Quickstep rider has seen 13 seconds shaved off his lead as a result, with Dutchaman Wilco Kelderman - who managed to squeeze ahead of the peloton late on - now just 30 second behind.

Spain’s Pello Bilbao has dropped to third, but took four seconds off Almeida's time and now trails by 39.

Tomorrow will be the first rest day of this year's Giro.

A 177km mountainous stage from Lanciano to Tortoreto awaits on Tuesday (October 13).