Scarponi takes Tirreno's Camerino stage, overall lead

By Gregor Brown

Michele Scarponi (Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni-Androni Giocattoli) took victory on Tirreno-Adriatico's stage six and captured the overall race leader's jersey. The Italian finished the 235-kilometre stage from Civitanova Marche to Camerino ahead of Stefano Garzelli (Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo) and Ivan Basso (Liquigas).

Scarponi now leads the general classification over Garzelli and previous race leader Andreas Klöden (Astana). The German, who won the 2007 edition, lost 1:18 minutes on the mountain stage.

"An incredible win," said Scarponi, who lives in Le Marche's Jesi. "Basso was going so strong and it was difficult. I had to hold on and it worked."

Danilo Di Luca (LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini) finished in fourth at 1:09 behind the winning trio. He led home the shattered group that included Klöden.

Click here to see our full coverage of stage six.