As it happened: Giro d’Italia breakaway glory, GC stalemate on stage 6 gravel roads

All eyes now turn to Friday’s 40.6km stage 7 time trial in Perugia which features a climb to the finish.

And finally, Cian Uijtdebroeks remains in white as best young rider.

Pogačar is in blue as the mountain classification leader.

Jonathan Milan back in the maglia ciclamino tonight.

While Tadej Pogačar is still in the maglia rosa.

Celebrations for Sanchez on the podium today.

The current GC standings at the Giro d’Italia after stage 6

Tadej Pogačar stays in pink as the Strade Bianche fails to disrupt the order at the top

Here’s what third-placed man Luke Plapp said after the stage…

“It was an insane day. The race was out of control the whole stage. It was ridiculous for the first 80km and when it went out of control I was able to jump. Kaden Groves actually set it up, he was amazing for a sprinter we all know how well he can climb, that was incredible.

“Then the three of us worked reasonably well to the finish, we played games a bit. I was half eyes on looking for time and half looking for the stage, so I ended up riding a bit harder than the others, but in the end I’m happy.

“I knew they were never going to let it go. You could see from the gaps they were keeping they weren’t willing to let the jersey go. I tried to be efficient and save for tomorrow. It was a good day, beautiful weather and good fun out there in the break.

“I felt really strong on the climbs but those two were super punchy so it was always going to be really hard to get away, especially on those short climbs. I knew I wasn’t quicker than them in the sprint. I tried to actually go on the gravel climb a long way out but they were able to stay with me. I’m just glad we worked reasonably well together.”

Giro d’Italia: Pelayo Sánchez shuts down Alaphilippe and Plapp for stage 6 victory

Breakaway trio upstages day focused dirt roads to Rapolano Terme

Sanchez celebrates with his teammates after the win.

Here’s what Pelayo Sanchez had to say after winning the stage…

“This is amazing. I don’t have…