MARINA DI ASCEA, Italy (AP) — Luca Paolini of Italy won the third stage of the Giro d’Italia on Monday to take the overall lead from compatriot Salvatore Puccio.
Paolini, who rides for Katusha, completed the 138-mile leg from Sorrento to Marina di Ascea in 5 hours, 43 minutes, 50 seconds.
Cadel Evans beat defending champion Ryder Hesjedal in a sprint for second place. Both finished 16 seconds behind.
Paolini timed his break to perfection, attacking four miles from the finish. Hesjedal attacked several times but could not build enough of an advantage and was caught each time.
Overall favorite Bradley Wiggins finished eighth and is second in the overall standings, 17 seconds behind Paolini.
