Russia's Dmitri Konyshev snatched a surprise victory in the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia on Friday, a day that many had expected to be dominated by younger legs.

The 34 year-old Russian took sweet revenge for Wednesday's stage when victory was denied him by a late surge from Mario Cipollini. "The sprint specialists were surprised today," beamed Konyshev after the race. "Cipollini waited too long to make a move and when I realised what was happening I gave it all I had."

Konyshev's victory over Dutchman Blijlevens, with Italian Gabriele Missaglia third in the 160 kilometre stretch from Peschich to Matera, did not disturb the overall placings. Konyshev's teammate Matteo Tosatto remains three seconds ahead of fellow Italian Christian Moreni.

Switzerland's only two cyclists on the Giro, Niki Aebersold and Daniel Schnider, crossed the line in 70th and 72nd respectively.

swissinfo with agencies

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