Tiralongo takes seventh stage

Italy's Paolo Tiralongo triumphed in the seventh stage of the Giro d'Italia, and move up to second place on the general classification.

The win was the Astana rider's second stage victory at the Giro after he took the honours at stage 19 last year.

Michele Scarponi, of Lampre ISD, pushed him closest, clocking the same time of five hours, 51 minutes and 0.3 seconds.

Radioshack Nissan's Frank Schelck was three seconds further back in third.

Ryder Hesjedal took over the pink jersey after previous leader Adriano Malori had a disappointing day, with Tiralonga 15 seconds adrift.

Joaquin Rodriguez is third in the overall standings for Katusha.

Hesjedal, who became the first Canadian to don the pink jersey, said: "It's unreal to pull on the maglia rosa.

"The team was behind me 100% on the run-in to the climb. I just had to go for it and it went perfectly. This pink jersey is a product of good strong team work."

Tiralongo played down his efforts in winning the stage.

"I don't think I'm a 'campione' or a great rider," he said.

"I'm a good rider who works hard and helps his team leaders. I'm here to work for the team and won't get big-headed during the rest of the race."