As a two rider break of Jose Herrada (Movistar) and Stefano Pirazzi (Colnago) was caught with 1km to go, Dario Cataldo and Serge Pauwels were at the front of the peloton ready to pounce on the opportunity for a top stage and overall placing on the climb to the finish of the 202km Giro d'Italia Stage 7.
Riders had been constantly attacking to either bridge or escape, after an initial four rider break, which had more than a 9 minute gap at one point, was eventually reeled in. Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) timed his attack at the final kilometer, with the only rider able to stick with him being Paolo Tiralongo (Astana). The two battled to the finish, with Tiralongo pulling off the race victory while the remainder of the peloton chased behind. Frank Schleck took 3rd.
Pauwels was the team's top finisher, in 14th place (+11"), and Cataldo is now 10th overall (+46"). Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) now wears the Maglia Rosa.