Thomas, of the Ineos Grenadiers, started the day one minute and eight seconds behind Bruno Armirail of France, riding for Groupama-FDJ, who led going into yesterday’s rest day.

However following a 203 kilometre stage from Sabbio to Chiese-Monte Bondone which featured two category one climbs - the Passo di Santa Barbara and the Monte Bondone - the overall race lead changed hands.

Portuguese rider Almeida, who competes for UAE Team Emirates, was together with Thomas heading into the final kilometre of the stage, which finished on top of the Monte Bondone.

Almeida outsprinted Thomas to take victory on the stage in 5hours 53min 27sec, with Thomas who finished on the same time, taking the Maglia Rosa jersey in the process.

Slovenia’s Primož Roglič, who competes for Team Jumbo-Visma, completed the podium for the stage, 25 seconds behind the winner, with fourth place going to Edward Dunbar of Ireland, riding for Team Jayco Alula, on the same time.

In the overall race standings Thomas holds an 18-second lead over Almeida, with Roglič third at 29 seconds.

In fourth place Italian Damiano Caruso is more than two minutes off a podium place, with the Bahrain Victorious rider at 2min 50sec behind Almeida.

Armirail, who lead going into the day's stage, is now seventh overall at 3:22 behind Thomas. 

Speaking after his stage win Almeida said it was "a special victory, a dream come true," adding: "I was feeling well and the whole team was extraordinary. 

"I worked together with Thomas to put seconds between us and Roglič, but then my main goal was the stage win."

Maglia Rosa Thomas added: "It was a very tough day, a lot of climbs, I am happy with how it went.

"I found myself in front with Almeida, he was better in the sprint." 

Tomorrow’s 17^th stage from Pergine Valsugana to Caorle, over 195km, is expected to be one of the last opportunities for the sprinters.