The Dutch cyclist produced an impressive ride on the 11.2 kilometres course from Formazza to Riale di Formazza.

Van der Breggen completed the event in a time of 24min 58sec to secure the stage victory.

Her compatriot and SD Worx team mate Demi Vollering finished second on the stage, ending 1min 5sec off the pace.

The top three was completed by Australia’s Grace Brown at 1:16 down, with South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio fourth at 1:30 behind.

The result moves Van der Breggen closer to winning the Giro Donne for the fourth time in her career, while the 31-year-old viewed the stage as important preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

"It was a great time trial and a good approach for the Olympics," said Van der Breggen, who won road race gold and time trial bronze at Rio 2016.

"I am truly in a privileged position to be surrounded by my team mates.

"It's really nice to race with them."

Van der Breggen leads the Giro Donne classification from team mates Moolman-Pasio and Vollering.

Moolman-Pasio is 2:51 behind her team leader, while Vollering lies third a 3:03 down.

Britain’s Lizzie Deignan is the best-placed rider outside of the SD Worx team, with the Trek-Segafredo leader lying fourth at 5:53 down.

Racing continues tomorrow with a 120km flat stage from Milan to Carugate.