Pelayo Sanchez wins stage six of Giro d’Italia as Tadej Pogacar retains lead

Movistar Team's Pelayo Sanchez celebrates after winning stage six of the Giro d'Italia from Viareggio to Rapolano Terme

Spain's Pelayo Sanchez claimed victory on stage six of the Giro d'Italia as he out-sprinted two other breakaway riders at the uphill finish at Rapolano Terme.

Sanchez (Movistar), France's Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep) and Australian Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla) kept clear of the chasing peloton at the climax of the 180km ride.

But the 24-year-old Sanchez had the legs to hold Alaphilippe and fellow Giro debutant Plapp at bay.

Race leader Tadej Pogacar finished safely in the peloton to retain the Maglia Rosa ahead of Friday's time trial.