The day started well and ended badly for the Androni Sidermec. 

After the good performance of Marco Frapporti in the break on stage where he won two intermediate sprints, the team were active with Gianfranco Zilioli who attacked immediately after the start and made it into the group of 25 riders that was gradually whittled down. Zilioli was caught on the Barbagelata climb. 

On the subsequent descent, disaster struck for Franco Pellizotti. The captain was dropped from the leading group as he was blocked by cramps that almost prevented him from finishing. Having arrived in Sestri Levante with a time loss of more than 10 minutes late, Pellizotti has obviously shelved the GC ambitions.

Michael Matthews won the stage and consolidated its leading position.