The day belonged to Australia’s Lucas Hamilton who defeated Italy’s Fausto Masnada in a two-man sprint in Cascia today.

The duo broke clear with seven kilometres left with Hamilton, of Mitchelton-Scott, doing enough to see off Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider Masnada.

Woods, of EF Pro Cycling, was 10 seconds adrift of Hamilton, but continues to lead the way in the general classification.

The 33-year-old Canadian claimed four bonus seconds to give him a nine-second lead over Poland’s Rafal Majka, of Bora-Hansgrohe.

"It was a really hard stage but the team were very strong," Woods said.

"It was a difficult day, just like yesterday and probably tomorrow.

"There are so many strong riders here. 

"I am happy to keep the jersey for another day."

Masnada climbed to third in the overall standings while Hamilton moved into fourth spot.

"I tried to stay with the strongest riders on the final climb, then I was lucky I was with Masnada on the final attack as I could not have made it alone," Hamilton added.

Stage four saw riders tackle a mountainous 194 kilometre route to Cascia, reaching the halfway point in the eight-stage competition.

Woods will look to defend the jersey tomorrow in another mountain stage with an uphill finish to Sarnano Sassotetto.

The race is scheduled to conclude on September 14 with a number of the world’s top riders using it as preparation for the rescheduled Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.