Ricco hangs on for stage

The 23-year-old Saunier Duval rider went clear on the short climb to the finish and crossed the line a few metres ahead of the chasing peloton.

Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan was second and his Astana team mate Andreas Kloden of Germany third, both men two seconds adrift.

Stage two winner Alexandr Arekeev of Russia (Acqua & Sapone) kept the overall race lead. Ricco is 21 seconds adrift with Spain's Oscar Freire third, a further six seconds behind.

Ricco also won a stage at the Vuelta San Luis in Argentina last month.

"I rode well at the Milan-Turin race last Saturday and knew this uphill finish suited me," he said. "I went a bit early and took a risk but I felt good, followed my instinct and it paid off.

"I showed I had that little bit extra and it's great to have won a stage at such an important race. My team mates protected me during the whole stage and then helped me stay near the front just before the climb to the finish."

Despite good weather conditions, the stage was marred by several crashes.

World champion Paolo Bettini of Italy hurt two fingers after being hit by a bike while compatriot Ivan Basso, the 2006 Giro d'Italia winner, injured his left wrist.

Saturday's 161-km fourth stage is from Pievebovigliana to Offagna near Ancona and ends with another uphill finish.