Bardiani sprinter Nicola Ruffoni took a fine top 10 result at the end of a tricky bunch sprint in Giro d’Italia Stage 6 from Montecatini to Castiglione della Pescaia.

In the finale, the sprint trains battled in the front rows. Ruffoni was in a good position but some rubbing and a crash with 200 meters to go prevented a perfect sprint. The Bardiani – CSF’s rider crossed the line in 9th place behind winner Andre Greipel (Lotto – Belisol).

”Its a pity because today I felt good and I came out from the last corner in a great position. With 500 meters to go some riders came fast on the right side and I was boxed in. Then the heavy crash forced me to slow down a lot. At the end, it is fine to be in the top 10 but honestly my goals are higher. Let's see tomorrow whether I can hold onto the best in Fiuggi. If yes I’ll try again,” Nicola Ruffoni said.

Stage 7 will be the longest of the 98th edition: 64km from Grosseto to Fiuggi, the hometown of Stefano Pirazzi.