Ulissi gives Italy first stage win of Giro

Diego Ulissi gave Italy their first stage win of the Giro d'Italiaand his second career victory in the race on Wednesday when he won the 203kilometres fifth stage from Taranto to Viggiano.The 24-year-old Lampre rider, who won his previous stage in the Giro three yearsago, beat home veteran Australian Cadel Evans while Julian Arredondo of Colombiawas third in stage affected by strong winds and heavy downpours.Evans's compatriot Michael Matthews retained the overall leader's pink jersey.Matthews's Orica team had performed impressively in running down an 11-manbreakaway which at one point had a lead of six minutes over the peloton.A further attack by Italian Gianluca Brambilla was also brought to an end 1500metres from the finish as the Katusha team of experienced Spaniard JoaquimRodriguez reeled him in.Evans launched the sprint for the line but Ulissi went past him and eased home, forhis third stage win of the season, while Matthews was sixth.Thursday's sixth stage is one of the longest of the race at 247km from Sassano toMontecassino, with the closing stages a 8.7km climb. Source: AFP