Britain's Sir Bradley Wiggins finished in eighth place to retain second place overall behind Paolini, maintaining his position as the favourite to add this title to the Tour de France he won last year.

Paolini, a 26-year-old from MIlan, made his move with six kilometres of the 222km race from Sorrento to Marina di Ascea remaining and opened up enough of a gap to triumph ahead of Australia's Cadel Evans and Canada's defending champion Ryder Hesjedal.

With a 20-second time bonus on offer for the winner, Paolini, who started the day 19 seconds behind Sir Bradley, ended it 17 seconds in front of him.

Evans picked up a 12-second time bonus for finishing second while third-placed Hesjedal reduced his deficit by eight seconds.

Sir Bradley's team-mate Rigoberto Uran lies third overall, with Astana rider Vincenzo Nibali - seen as Wiggins' greatest threat - fifth, 31 seconds behind Paolini.

Garmin-Sharp's Hesjedal is three seconds further adrift.


Team Sky's Salvatore Puccio had held the pink jersey after yesterday's team time-trial, but he was dropped by the field on the final climb before the finish and lost over seven minutes.

"It's incredible to win like that and take the pink jersey as well," said Paolini.

"My father was in hospital today for a minor operation and so this pink jersey is for him.

"I suffered to stay on during the climb and tried to ride at my pace.

"I knew there was a little climb near the finish and I know I can descend pretty well.

"I went for it.

"I rode as if it was a Classic.

"We had a good team time-trial and I knew I could take the pink jersey if I won.

"Now we will enjoy the victory, the pink jersey, and will try to keep it as long as we can."

The Italian's win was also enough to see him take the lead in the points race from Britain's Mark Cavendish, who finished more than eight minutes down in 113th.

But Cavendish, who had won the pink jersey on the opening day, will continue to wear the red jersey tomorrow, with Paolini in pink, a 246km race from Policastro to Serra San Bruno, featuring a sharp 12km climb in the final 20km.

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