Italian rider wins fourth Giro d'Italia Women sprint stage

Elisa Balsamo won the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia Women, finishing ahead of Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker in a bunch sprint. The Italian rider was launched by a team-mate in the final 50 meters and held off the Canadian starter to claim the victory. Balsamo rides for Lidl-Trek and leads the points classification after four sprint wins in four attempts.

General classification Anna van der Breggen retained the overall leader's pink jersey. The Dutch rider stayed with the front group after wind split the peloton on the mostly flat course. Demi Vollering remains second, one minute behind, after an unsuccessful move during the intermediate sprint.

Next stages Friday's 165 km stage from Sorbolo Mezzani to Salice Terme includes one climb. Two mountain stages on the weekend will conclude the nine-stage race.