The Canyon-Sram rider is due to turn 28 tomorrow and celebrated early by outpacing her sprint rivals at the close of the 99 kilometres route from Costa Volpino to Lovere.

As in yesterday’s stage, the peloton were alert to hopeful attacks in the final third of the race which ensured that a bunch sprint was inevitable.

With forthcoming stages featuring several climbs, it was expected to be the final opportunity for the sprinters to secure a victory at the race, part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Women’s WorldTour.

After being well positioned by her team-mates, Cromwell finished with impressive speed to secure the win in a time of 2 hours 02min 24sec.

Her victory ensured a second straight stage for Australia, after Wiggle High5’s Chloe Hosking had triumphed yesterday in Lendinara.

Cromwell was followed home by Italy’s Maria Giulia Confalonieri and France’s Aude Biannic, who were both awarded the same time as the winner.

The United States’ Evelyn Stevens crossed the line safely amongst the peloton to remain in the overall race lead.

Stevens remains three seconds clear of Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma.

Her fellow American Megan Guarnier is af further 13 seconds adrift in third.

The race leader is expected to come under pressure tomorrow, with the fifth stage from Grosio to Tirano due to feature several tough climbs.